Core Refusal Reason
The inability to guarantee the safe disposal of domestic effluent due to site-specific constraints, including shallow soil overburden and the presence of limestone bedrock close to the surface, posing a risk to public health and groundwater quality.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site exhibits insufficient subsoil depth and shallow overburden with limestone bedrock close to the surface, which prevents the safe disposal of domestic effluent in strict accordance with the EPA Code of Practice 2021.
- The proposed development would pose an unacceptable risk to public health and the environment, specifically regarding the potential contamination of surface and ground waters in an area located in close proximity to a Natura 2000 site.
- The proposal contravenes Objective WW6 of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 and ministerial guidelines, and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective RH4Policy Objective RH 9Policy Objective FL1Policy Objective LCM 1Policy Objective LCM 2DM Standard 6DM Standard 8DM Standard 20DM Standard 27DM Standard 29DM Standard 41Policy Objective NHB 1Policy Objective NHB 2Policy Objective NHB 3Policy Objective NHB 4Policy Objective WR 1DM Standard 50Objective WW6
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission for a 194 sqm dwelling, a domestic garage, and a wastewater treatment system at Ceathrú An Lisín on Inis Meáin Island, Co. Galway. Although the applicant successfully demonstrated a local housing need under Policy Objective RH4, the Planning Authority refused the application following a Further Information request. The refusal was primarily based on technical site constraints; specifically, the shallow soil depth and proximity to bedrock mean that the safe disposa...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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