Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a genuine local housing need, the inappropriate scale and design of the dwelling which would be visually obtrusive in the landscape, and significant traffic safety concerns regarding access onto a protected regional route with insufficient sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentary evidence to demonstrate a location-specific rural housing need or that their predominant occupation is farming/natural resource-related, as required by policies RD POL 1 and RD POL 2.
- The proposed two-storey Georgian-style dwelling is considered visually obtrusive and out of scale with the surrounding landscape, failing to comply with the Meath Rural House Design Guide and potentially impacting Protected View No. 72.
- The proposed development would create a new access onto the R152 Protected Regional Route with substandard sightlines (145m provided vs 160m required), which would prejudice the carrying capacity of the road and endanger public safety.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RD POL 1RD POL 2RD POL 3RD POL 9INF POL 18INF POL 20RD POL 38RD POL 39RD POL 40Section 9.4Section 9.5Section 9.14.3Section 9.15.2Section 9.16.3Meath Rural House Design Guide (Appendix 13)
Decision Document Summary
Ultan Henson sought planning permission for a two-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Hawkinstown, Garristown, Co. Meath. The site is located in a rural area under strong urban influence and near a protected view. Meath County Council refused the application because the applicant did not adequately prove a functional economic or social need to live in the area, the house design was deemed too bulky and visually intrusive for the landscape, and the proposed entrance onto t...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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