Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its unsuitable elevated siting and excessive mass/height, inadequate sightlines requiring third-party land, and the availability of more suitable alternative sites within the landholding.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling, due to its elevated siting and excessive mass and height, is considered visually un-integrated and contrary to the design principles of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and Rural Design Guidelines.
- Safe sightlines cannot be achieved without carrying out works and removing mature hedges on third-party lands not within the applicants' control, which would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard.
- The development is not justified as more suitable alternative sites exist within the landholding, and granting permission would set an undesirable precedent that detrimentally impacts the visual amenities of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 9.24CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
The applicants sought permission for a detached dwelling and garage at Kilpatrick, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath, located in an area designated as a 'Strong Rural Area Under Urban Influence.' Westmeath County Council refused the application on three main grounds: the house design was deemed visually intrusive on a locally elevated site, the necessary road sightlines required works on land outside the applicants' control, and the planning authority determined that more suitable alternative sites wer...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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