2251
the proposed development will consist of: i. The construction of 99 No. residential units, all with private amenity space that will be comprise of: a) 7 No. 2-bedroom, 2-storey houses with associated amenities and car parking; b) 79 No. 3-bedroom, 2-storey houses with associated amenities and car parking; c) 13 No. 4- bedroom, 2-storey houses with associated amenities and car parking; ii. The construction of 1 No. childcare facility with a Gross Floor Area of 161.55sq.m., with an associated external play area and 9 No. car parking spaces; iii. Infrastructure works including: a) Surface Water - Surface water will be attenuated in underground storage devices and discharged to existing stream and culvert; b) SUDS measures such as permeable paving, swales, etc. will be provided to intercept and provide treatment to surface-water run-off at source; c) Diversion of existing foul and surface water drainage from Silverstream Phase 1; d) Provision of temporary Waste-Water Treatment Plant, which discharges to public sewer. The temporary Water Treatment Plant will be decommissioned upon completion by Irish Water of upgrade works to Stamullen Waste-Water Treatment Plane; e) Connection of new roads to the existing Silverstream and Mill Estate; iv. New boundary walls and fences, open space, internal site roads, pavements, public lighting, tree planting, bin storage, bicycle parking spaces, ESB sub-station and all ancillary site development works
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development materially contravenes the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 as the site is zoned 'Rural Area (RA)', where multi-unit residential development is not permitted, and the proposal lacks a demonstrable rural housing need.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal is inconsistent with the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 zoning objective for the site, which is 'Rural Area (RA)', where the proposed multi-unit residential use is not identified as a permitted or open-for-consideration use.
- The development is located within an 'Area under Strong Urban Influence' and, in the absence of a demonstrable rural-generated housing need, would contribute to urban encroachment and militate against the preservation of the rural environment.
- The provision of a temporary wastewater treatment plant is considered premature and prejudicial to public health pending the delivery of necessary network upgrades and connections to the Stamullen and Balbriggan wastewater infrastructure.