211530
The proposed development will consist of the provision of a total of 61 No. Dwellings as follows - 4 No. 2 Bed Single Storey Units, 16 No. 2 Bed Two Storey Units, 33 No. 3 Bed Two Storey Units and 8 No. 4 Bed Two Storey Units. The development will also include surface car parking, bicycle parking and bike shelters, waste water pumping station, SuDs drainage systems, landscaping and open space including a playground, new boundary treatments, a new vehicular access onto Carrowmanagh Road; and all other associated works above and below ground. The development consists of a Gross floor area 6,110 sqm. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) accompanies this Planning application.
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to its potential adverse impact on the Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation, non-compliance with the Core Strategy housing allocations for Oughterard, and significant unresolved issues regarding flood risk and traffic safety.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal fails to demonstrate that it would not adversely affect the integrity of the Lough Corrib SAC and the Freshwater Pearl Mussel population, particularly concerning hydrological impacts and inadequate environmental mitigation measures.
- The development contravenes the Core Strategy of the Galway County Development Plan as the proposed 61 units significantly exceed the population allocation for Oughterard and represent premature development on unzoned lands.
- The application exhibits critical technical failures regarding flood risk management, poor urban design that does not integrate with the town's character, and serious traffic safety concerns including inadequate pedestrian connectivity and restricted sightlines.