Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended granting permission for retention, concluding that the fence's height and design are visually compatible with the suburban context and do not negatively impact traffic safety given existing site constraints.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The height, design, and material finish of the fence are appropriate for the suburban context and do not detract from the visual amenity of the existing house or streetscape.
- Reducing the fence height to 1.2 metres would not improve traffic safety because visibility is already restricted by an existing 1.35-metre high masonry pier and a mature hedge on the adjacent property.
- The development complies with the residential zoning objective of the area and does not pose a significant risk to pedestrians or vulnerable road users.
Cited Policies (CDP)
South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028Zoning Objective RES (To protect and improve residential amenity)South Dublin County Council's House Extension Design Guide (2010)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the retention of a timber fence, approximately 1.8m to 1.96m in height, located on the front party boundary of a semi-detached dwelling in a Rathfarnham cul-de-sac. While the Planning Authority granted permission subject to a condition reducing the height to 1.2m for traffic safety and design consistency, the Inspector found this condition unnecessary. The Inspector argued that the Council's 1.2m guideline refers to exempted development rights rather than an outright ban on...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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