Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a local housing need, the negative visual impact on rural character resulting from hedgerow removal and lack of screening, and insufficient evidence of a compliant wastewater treatment system.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate compliance with the Local Housing Need Qualifying Criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2, specifically regarding social or economic ties to the area.
- The proposed development would result in the loss of rural character and overdevelopment of the area due to the lack of natural screening and the necessity for extensive removal of existing boundary hedgerows to achieve visibility splays.
- The proposal failed to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the planning authority that the waste water treatment system would comply with the EPA Code of Practice 2021, posing a potential risk to public health.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy HOU 42Section 13.9.4Policy HOU 41Policy IU 18Rural Policy Zone 2Criteria 3 & 4 of Rural Policy Zone 2
Decision Document Summary
Joseph McKeown sought outline planning permission for a dwelling house and wastewater treatment system at Annaghvacky, Hackballscross, Co. Louth, located within an area designated as being under strong urban influence (Rural Policy Zone 2). The site consists of an agricultural field lacking established boundaries on three sides and requiring significant hedgerow removal for road access. Louth County Council refused the application because the applicant did not adequately prove a local housing ne...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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