Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need as the proposal constitutes a second dwelling for an individual who had already constructed and subsequently sold a previously permitted house on the same landholding.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant does not meet the criteria for rural-generated housing need as defined in the County Development Plan, particularly as the proposal represents a second dwelling for the applicant on the site.
- The site is located in a 'strong rural area under urban influence' where development is restricted to prevent speculative housing and the uneconomic provision of public services.
- The proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and fails to comply with policies CPO 9.1, 9.13, and 9.19 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 9.4Section 9.5Section 9.6Section 10.5Section 10.9Section 10.10Section 10.12Section 10.13Section 10.16Chapter 11Section 12.5Section 12.6Section 12.7Section 12.8Section 12.14Section 13.6Section 13.16Section 16.3.7CPO 9.1CPO 9.13CPO 9.19
Decision Document Summary
The application proposed the construction of a single-storey dwelling and detached garage at Gorteen, Belvedere, Mullingar. The site is situated in a rural area designated as being under strong urban influence. Although the applicant cited family ties to the land, the planning authority determined that the applicant had previously received permission for and constructed a dwelling on the site, which was sold in 2021. The Planning Authority concluded that the current proposal constitutes speculat...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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