Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need as they already own a home in the locality, and the proposed design was deemed unsuitable for the sensitive, sloping site within an Area of High Amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant does not meet the criteria for a 'Local Rural Person' under Policy SSP-18 and SSP-19 because they already own a dwelling in a rural area (Ashfield, Clara).
- The proposed development would materially contravene the Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020 by failing to demonstrate a functional need to reside in an Area of Special Control (Area of High Amenity).
- The design and siting are unresponsive to the site's significant 4-meter slope, failing to integrate into the landscape and thus contravening Policy SSP-17 and Objective LAO-01.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy SSP-18Policy SSP-19Policy SSP-17Objective LAO-01Section 8.7Section 8.7.1Section 7.14
Decision Document Summary
Paul and Lillian McGrath applied for permission to construct a single-storey dwelling and septic tank system at Tara, Durrow, Co. Offaly. The site is situated within a designated 'pressure area' and an Area of High Amenity near Clara Bog. Offaly County Council refused the application because the applicant already owns a house in the vicinity, negating their claim of a functional or social need for a new rural home. Additionally, the planning authority found the proposed design failed to account ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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