Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to a combination of poor site drainage, potential adverse impacts on nearby European conservation sites, visual obtrusiveness in a sensitive landscape, inadequate traffic sightlines, and failure to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site exhibits poor drainage characteristics with peaty substrates and high water levels, posing a risk to public health and the environment from domestic effluent disposal.
- The proposed development is located in a highly sensitive Class 3 landscape and within a Protected View, where it would form a visually obtrusive feature and interfere with the character of the coastal area.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need in accordance with settlement policy and did not provide adequate sight distances at the proposed entrance, creating a traffic hazard.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective WW6DM Standard 38Policy Objective NHB1Policy Objective NHB 2DM Standard 50Policy Objective RH 9Policy Objective LCM 1Policy Objective LCM 3DM Standard 46DM Standard 28Policy Objective RH 4
Decision Document Summary
Cathal Mullen sought permission for a 229.60 sqm dwelling and proprietary treatment system at Inis Ní, Co. Galway, a coastal site within a Class 3 sensitive landscape and the Gaeltacht. Galway County Council refused the application on five grounds: the unsuitability of the peaty soil for effluent disposal, potential negative impacts on adjacent Natura 2000 sites (SACs and SPAs), the visual impact of the house in a protected scenic area, insufficient traffic sightlines at the entrance, and the ap...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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