Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused primarily because the site is located within the 300-metre buffer zone of the Omeath settlement limit, constitutes intrusive backland development in a rural landscape, and failed to provide necessary technical assessments regarding environmental impact, wastewater safety, and traffic visibility.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal contravenes Policy SS 54 of the Louth County Development Plan 2015-2021, which mandates a 300-metre break between existing settlement boundaries and new developments to prevent urban sprawl.
- The backland nature of the site and the required 100-metre access driveway represent an inappropriate and intrusive encroachment into the open rural landscape, setting an undesirable precedent for similar developments.
- The applicant failed to submit critical technical documentation, including an Appropriate Assessment screening for Natura 2000 sites, a groundwater risk assessment for the wastewater system, and proof of adequate visibility splays at the road junction.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy SS 54Policy SS 26Policy TC 12Section 2.19.1Policy RD 33Policy SS 18Policy SS 19Policy SS 20Policy SS 51Policy SS 52Policy SS 53Policy SS 55Policy SS 59Policy SS 60Policy SS 63Policy SS 64Policy SS 65Policy SS 66Policy RD 29Policy RD 30Table 2.9Table 7.4
Decision Document Summary
Tara Duffy applied for outline permission for a one-off dwelling and wastewater treatment system at Knocknagoran, Omeath, Co. Louth. The site is a backland location situated approximately 100 metres from the public road and within 100 metres of the Omeath development envelope. Louth County Council refused the application on five grounds: violation of the 300-metre settlement buffer (Policy SS 54), negative visual impact on the rural character (Policy SS 26), lack of an Appropriate Assessment scr...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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