Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development would negatively impact the character of the Howth Special Amenity Area through excessive scale and loss of natural features, while failing to provide necessary environmental assessments regarding Natura 2000 sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The excessive scale, height, and length of the replacement wall would result in the loss of significant landscape features and vegetation, causing visual intrusion and altering the character of the Howth Special Amenity Area.
- The applicant failed to provide a detailed Appropriate Assessment screening prepared by a qualified person, meaning potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites could not be ruled out.
- The development would set an undesirable precedent for similar works and is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective 2.3Policy 2.3.1Objective 2.4Policy 2.4.1Objective 3.4Policy 3.4.2Objective NH44Objective NH15
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involved the renovation and height increase of a deteriorated roadside stone boundary wall at Hilltop House, Windgate Road, Howth. The site is situated within the Howth Special Amenity Area Order (SAAO) zone, where the existing wall is considered an important landscape feature. The local authority refused permission because the proposed wall's excessive scale and the associated loss of trees, heathland, and maritime grassland would degrade the area's local distinctiveness and visual...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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