Core Refusal Reason
The proposal constitutes inappropriate backland development that would erode rural character, fails to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need for the specific location, and lacks sufficient technical information regarding wastewater treatment, traffic safety, and environmental impact (Appropriate Assessment).
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is considered inappropriate backland development in an area under significant urban pressure, which would erode the rural character of the landscape and set an undesirable precedent for similar piecemeal development.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a qualifying rural housing need for this specific location and failed to provide adequate sightlines at the junction of the private lane and public road, creating a traffic hazard.
- Insufficient information was submitted to confirm that ground conditions are suitable for wastewater treatment or to rule out significant adverse effects on nearby European sites (Appropriate Assessment).
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41HOU 42HOU 45HOU 46HOU 47IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19HGB 40NGB 6Section 13.9Section 13.9.6Table 3.5
Decision Document Summary
John McKeown and Leona Mc Donnell sought permission for a 242sqm two-storey dwelling and wastewater treatment system at Ravel, Dunleer, Co. Louth. The site is located within Rural Policy Zone 2 (Area Under Strong Urban Influence) and is accessed via a narrow, unsurfaced private track. Louth County Council refused the application because the proposal represents undesirable backland development that would degrade the rural landscape, the applicants failed to prove a specific local housing need, an...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.