211333
permission for 68 no. dwellings consisting of 28 no. 2 storey 3 bed house type A, 21 no. 2 storey 3 bed house type B, 11 no. 2 storey 2 bed house type C, 2 no. 2 storey 3 bed house type D and 6 no. 2 storey 3 bed house type E in a layout of a variety of detached, semi-detached and terraces of 3, 4 or 6 dwellings with ancillary site development works, including roads, footpaths, public open space, landscaping and boundary treatments with access from the Marsh Road (R150) via a new access road previously permitted Reg. Ref. 17/387 **Significant further information including a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) received on 22/09/2022**
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed density of 28.7 units/ha is significantly below the required minimum of 50 units/ha for this 'Transportation Development Hub' (J1) zoned site, and the layout fails to provide adequate urban definition or connectivity to the town centre and train station.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed density is deemed insufficient for a town centre location zoned for high-density residential development, failing to comply with the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 and national guidelines for compact growth.
- The development layout is overly suburban in character, lacking the necessary urban design quality, sense of place, and varied building heights required for this strategic location.
- There is a significant lack of demonstrated connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists to the adjacent train station and town centre, alongside outstanding concerns regarding environmental impacts on protected species and noise from the railway line.