Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate compliance with rural housing policy regarding access onto a Strategic Regional Road (R434) and concerns over the excessive scale and inappropriate siting of the dwelling.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that they meet the specific criteria of Policy TRANS 17, which restricts new access points onto Strategic Regional Roads to full-time farmers or their children.
- The proposed two-storey dwelling is considered excessive in scale (403sqm) and is inappropriately sited only 20m from the front boundary, leading to concerns regarding its visual impact and proximity to the public road.
- The application lacks sufficient technical detail regarding road safety requirements, including the provision of a 6.5m clear zone and measures to prevent surface water run-off onto the R434.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CS43CS44CS45TRANS 16TRANS 17TRANS 22DM 44DM 45Appendix 7
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involved the construction of a large two-storey dwelling, garage, and septic tank system at Lowran, Pike of Rushall, Co. Laois, situated on a site fronting the R434 Strategic Regional Road. Although located in a 'Structurally Weak Area', the application faced a negative recommendation because the applicants did not establish a specific rural housing need that would justify a new entrance onto a strategic regional route under Policy TRANS 17. Furthermore, the Planning Authority deter...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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