Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need (social or economic) for a dwelling in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and the proposed design and entrance sightlines were deemed unsuitable for the sensitive location.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a definable social or economic need to reside in the open countryside as required by Objective HD23, as they were not considered a permanent native resident of this specific rural area.
- The proposed dwelling's design, featuring a deep floor plan and suburban elements, fails to integrate with the sensitive AONB landscape and does not optimize solar gain, contrary to Objectives HD3 and NH50.
- The development would create a traffic hazard due to inadequate sightlines at the proposed entrance on a road with an 80km/h speed limit, where required visibility standards could not be met.
Cited Policies (CDP)
NH50Section 4.3.5Section 4.4HD3HD23HD24Section 9.1SS8HD1HD2TR33W17W12NH2NH4NH19NH22NH23NH49
Decision Document Summary
This application proposed a 170 sq.m 4-bedroom bungalow and effluent treatment system at Ballintombay Lower, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Wicklow County Council refused permission primarily because the applicant did not meet the criteria for a rural housing need under Objective HD23, having grown up on the outskirts of a town rather than in the immediate rural vicinity. Additionally, the planning authority cited concerns regarding the subu...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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