Core Refusal Reason
Non-compliance with Policy TRANS 19 regarding restricted access onto a Regional Road (R-432) and unresolved traffic safety concerns related to sightlines and road hazards.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development contravenes Policy TRANS 19 of the Laois County Development Plan 2017-2023, which restricts new access points onto Regional Roads where speed limits exceed 50kph, as the applicant failed to demonstrate a lack of alternative access or sufficient landholding size.
- The applicant has not adequately demonstrated that the required 160m sight distances can be achieved from the inside edge of the road carriage, posing a significant risk to traffic safety on the R-432.
- The lack of detailed boundary treatment and potential for headlight glare from the internal access roadway onto the regional road could cause driver confusion and create a serious road hazard for existing road users.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy TRANS 19Section 2.6 Rural Housing StrategyDM04DM06DM09DM15DM18DM44DM45DM46DM53DM54DM56DM63DM64DM65National Policy Objective 19National Policy Objective 20
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a single-storey, three-bedroom dwelling, domestic garage, and septic tank system on a 0.37-hectare greenfield site at Drimaterril, Ballinakill, Co. Laois. Although the site is located in a 'Structurally Weak Area' where residential development is generally supported, the application was contested due to its proposed access onto the R-432 Regional Road. The planning authority identified critical issues regarding non-compliance with Policy TRANS 19, the fa...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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