Core Refusal Reason
The proposal constitutes inappropriate backland and piecemeal development in an open rural landscape that lacks natural boundaries, which would result in an intrusive encroachment, set an undesirable precedent, and create a traffic hazard via a substandard access lane.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development represents an inappropriate form of backland and piecemeal development that would result in an intrusive encroachment into the open rural landscape and set an undesirable precedent for similar suburban-style development in a rural area.
- The site lacks natural boundaries and screening, failing to integrate into the surrounding environment as required by the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 policies regarding site selection and the preservation of rural character.
- The access to the site via a substandard right of way, which lacks necessary detail for required upgrades, would endanger public safety by creating a traffic hazard.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41HOU 42HOU 45HOU 46HOU 47Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.6MOV 56ENV 39IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19IU 26
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission for a 1.5-storey dwelling and detached garage at Gudderstown, Ardee, Co. Louth, within an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence'. Although the applicant successfully demonstrated a rural housing need, the proposal was refused primarily because the site is located 320m back from the public road in an open field lacking natural screening. The Planning Authority determined that the project constitutes inappropriate backland development that would erode the rural charact...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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