Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the creation of a new access onto a Strategic Regional Road (R425) in a high-speed zone without meeting specific agricultural criteria, and because the development would exacerbate ribbon development in a rural area under strong urban influence.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development would create a new access onto the Strategic Regional Road R-425 where speed limits exceed 50kph, contravening policies TRANS 16 and TRANS 17 as the applicants failed to demonstrate they meet the required agricultural criteria for such an access.
- The proposal would result in the extension of ribbon development along a stretch of road already characterized by one-off dwellings, leading to undesirable sprawl and suburbanisation in a rural area.
- The development would erode the rural character of the area and set an undesirable precedent for similar developments, thereby being contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the region.
Cited Policies (CDP)
TRANS 16TRANS 17Section 2.6.2Policy CS48Appendix 7DM 44DM 45Table 6
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a two-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Ballycarnan, Portlaoise, on a 0.2ha site located along the R-425 Strategic Regional Road. The site is situated within an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence' as defined by the Laois County Development Plan 2017-2023. Laois County Council refused the application on two main grounds: firstly, the creation of a new entrance onto a high-speed regional route without a demonstrated agricultural need, an...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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