Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate a rural housing need based on intrinsic local links and the negative visual impact of an elevated dwelling on a sensitive Class 3 rural landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a long-standing local intrinsic rural link to the area, meaning the proposal does not meet the housing need criteria for this rural zone as required by Policy Objective RH4.
- The proposed dwelling is located in an elevated position within a Class 3 rural landscape and south of a designated scenic route, which would significantly detract from the visual amenities and character of the area.
- The development would materially contravene several landscape and visual amenity policies of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028, specifically those relating to protected views and landscape conservation.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective RH03Policy Objective RH 4Policy Objective RH 9Policy Objective LCM 1Policy Objective LCM 2Policy Objective PVSR 1DM Standard 8
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a 229.30 sqm dwelling, a domestic garage, and a wastewater treatment system on a 0.362 ha site in Ballinahown South, Co. Galway, situated within a Class 3 Landscape and the Gaeltacht. Galway County Council refused the application following a request for further information, primarily because the applicants did not establish a sufficient 'rural housing need' based on local links under the 2022-2028 Development Plan. Furthermore, the planning authority determined...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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