Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its location in a highly sensitive Class 4 landscape where it would be visually obstructive, and because the proposed entrance would create a traffic hazard due to restricted visibility on a popular tourist route.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would result in the intensification of an entrance onto a popular tourist route where sightlines are severely restricted, creating a significant traffic hazard for road users.
- The site is located within a Class 4 'Special' landscape of 'Outstanding' value, and the proposed dwelling would be a visually obstructive and prominent feature that fails to satisfactorily assimilate into the sensitive coastal environment.
- Granting permission would materially contravene several landscape conservation policies and objectives of the Galway County Development Plan 2015-2021 and set an undesirable precedent for similar unsustainable development in the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 3.8.2Section 3.9Objective 1 (RHO3)Section 6.17Section 9.10.1Section 9.11Section 13.3Section 13.4Policy LCM 1Objective RHO9Objective LCM 1Objective LCM 2DM Standard 6DM Standard 40
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for a 152 sqm single-storey dwelling, a wastewater treatment system, and a new site entrance at Lettergest East, Connemara North. The site is situated in a sensitive coastal rural area designated as a Class 4 landscape with 'Outstanding' value. Galway County Council refused the application primarily because the proposed entrance on a busy tourist route has deficient sightlines, posing a traffic hazard, and because the dwelling would be visually intrusive in a h...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.