Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to its elevated and prominent siting, over-elaborate design, and excessive driveway length, which would result in a visually obtrusive and incongruous feature in a sensitive rural landscape, contrary to Policy RD POL 9 and the Meath Rural House Design Guide.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The dwelling's design is considered over-complicated and poorly proportioned, with excessive mass and bulk that fails to integrate into the rural character of the area.
- The elevated siting of the proposal would result in a visually obtrusive feature that would interfere with the character of the sensitive Lough Sheelin Uplands landscape and the setting of the Loughcrew Cairns.
- The proposed site layout, including an unnecessarily long and winding driveway, contributes to a lack of uniformity and fails to comply with the principles of the Meath Rural House Design Guide.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RD POL 9Meath Rural House Design GuideMeath County Development Plan 2021-2027
Decision Document Summary
This application by Maria Coyle sought permission for a large two-storey detached dwelling and garage at Knockbrack, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, located within the sensitive Lough Sheelin Uplands Landscape Character Area. Although the applicant successfully established a 'local need' to reside in the area, the Planning Authority determined that the proposal's design was confused and out of character. The combination of an elevated, prominent site and an over-elaborate architectural form led to the con...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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