Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to significant traffic safety hazards arising from substandard access and restricted sight distances, as well as unacceptable visual impact caused by the prominent hilltop siting within a designated 'Settled Landscape'.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development would create a traffic hazard as the access lane is substandard in width and alignment, and the junction with the R352 regional road has severely restricted sight distances.
- The dwelling's location on an elevated hilltop would result in a prominent and visually obtrusive feature that fails to minimize visual impact or avoid intrusions on ridges, contrary to Objective CDP13.2.
- The proposal is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, specifically failing to meet the site selection criteria for 'Settled Landscapes' which require avoiding visually prominent locations.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CDP 3.12CDP 13.2CDP 8.4CDP 8.5
Decision Document Summary
The applicants sought permission to construct a 1.5-storey dwelling house and garage at Lisbarren, Bodyke, Co. Clare, on an elevated rural site. While the applicants were found to be compliant with rural housing policy (CDP 3.12), the Planning Authority refused the application on two primary grounds. Firstly, the proposed access via a narrow, poorly surfaced agricultural lane and a junction with restricted sight distances onto the R352 was deemed a major traffic hazard. Secondly, the prominent h...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.