Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need, the visual intrusiveness of the dwelling on an elevated site, and the excessive loss of mature hedgerows required for road sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to meet the qualifying criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2 as they already own a residential property in Drogheda, thus failing to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need at this location.
- The proposed dwelling's elevated location and layout would result in an intrusive encroachment into the open rural landscape, failing to integrate appropriately as required by Policy HOU 42.
- The development would necessitate the removal of approximately 100m of mature hedgerow to achieve required sightlines, which would be contrary to policies ENV 38 and 39 regarding the protection of rural character and biodiversity.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy HOU 41Policy HOU 42Policy Objective ENV 38Policy Objective ENV 39Table 3.5Rural Policy Zone 2
Decision Document Summary
James Gregory sought permission for a 1.5-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater system at Richardstown, Dromin, Co. Louth, within an area designated as 'Under Strong Urban Influence' (Rural Policy Zone 2). Louth County Council refused the application on three main grounds: the applicant's lack of a demonstrated rural housing need due to existing property ownership, the visual impact of the house on an elevated plateau, and the excessive loss of mature hedgerows required for road safety sightli...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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