Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to provide adequate agricultural justification or a business plan for the scale of the development, which is further complicated by significant unauthorized development and negative visual impacts from hedgerow removal.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant did not submit a required business plan or demonstrate that the landholding could sustain the scale of the proposed stable extension, failing to meet the criteria for agricultural enterprises under Section 13.13.11.7 of the LCDP.
- The planning authority is precluded from granting permission for development that would facilitate the consolidation or intensification of unauthorized structures currently on-site, including an office block extension subject to active enforcement.
- The unauthorized removal of established site boundaries and hedgerows has significantly diminished the site's ability to visually screen the development, resulting in an unacceptable impact on the rural landscape and character of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
NGB 6MOV 5613.19.1413.16.17ENV 39IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19IU 2613.13.1113.13.11.7
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves a large-scale extension to existing stables, a manure pit, and an effluent tank at Whiteriver, Collon, Co. Louth, situated within a Rural Policy Zone 2 area. The application was refused due to the lack of a clear agricultural rationale or business plan to justify the building's size relative to the landholding. Additionally, the site is compromised by ongoing unauthorized development and the removal of critical screening hedgerows, which conflicts with the Louth County Deve...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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