21573

Construct an extension to dwelling at rear, to include on the ground floor, a kitchen, dining area, stairs, bedroom with en-suite and a velux in the existing living room and on the first floor, a study with two velux windows and to retain existing shed at side and to construct a detached garage and to decommission existing septic tank and to install a treatment system with percolation area with all ancillary site works.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposal was refused due to its excessive scale and height, the potential creation of an unauthorized independent residential unit, and the failure to provide a required Appropriate Assessment screening report for a site near a Natura 2000 area.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposed extension, by reason of its scale, height, and relationship to the existing dwelling, would be visually obtrusive and non-compliant with the Westmeath Rural Housing Design Guidelines.
  • The development as proposed would create an independent unit within the existing dwelling, resulting in a density of development that is out of character with the pattern of development in the vicinity.
  • In the absence of an Appropriate Assessment screening report, the planning authority cannot be satisfied that the development would not have a significant adverse impact on the Lough Sheelin SAC and SPA.

Cited Policies (CDP)

CPO 9.11CPO 9.25CPO 9.27CPO 16.27CPO 16.33CPO 12.4CPO 12.5CPO 12.6

Decision Document Summary

Gavin Keirse sought permission for a substantial extension to a single-storey dwelling, a detached garage, and a new wastewater treatment system at Williamstown, Finea, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a High Amenity Area approximately 200m from Lough Sheelin. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the extension's scale was considered visually obtrusive and inconsistent with rural design guidelines. Additionally, the inclusion of a second kitchen/living area raised concern...
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