Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to traffic safety concerns regarding a new access onto a high-speed regional road (R440) with inadequate sightlines, and the excessive removal of native hedgerows which contravenes biodiversity and landscape protection policies.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal materially contravenes Policy TRANS 23 of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027, which seeks to restrict new access points onto Regional Roads where speed limits exceed 50kph.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the required 160m sightlines could be achieved at the proposed entrance, creating a traffic hazard and endangering public safety on the R440.
- The removal of 150m of native hedgerow is considered excessive and contrary to natural heritage policies, resulting in a loss of natural habitats and injury to the visual amenity of the rural area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy TRANS 23Policy DM BNH 5Policy BNH27Policy BNH28Policy BNH30Appendix 7Section 10.1.3Section 10.1.3.3Section 11.6
Decision Document Summary
The applicants sought permission for a two-storey dwelling and domestic garage on a 1.01ha site at Roundwood, Mountrath, Co. Laois. While the site is located in a 'Structurally Weak Area' where local housing need is not a requirement, the proposal was refused primarily on traffic and environmental grounds. The Planning Authority determined that the new access onto the R440 regional road would compromise traffic safety due to insufficient sightlines and high road speeds. Furthermore, the extensiv...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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