Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommended refusal because the applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need in an area under 'Strong Urban Influence', the site's high groundwater vulnerability poses a pollution risk, and the proposed access creates a traffic hazard due to restricted sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of a demonstrable economic or social need to live in this rural area, making the proposal contrary to both the County Development Plan and National Policy Objective 19 of the National Planning Framework.
- Due to the high groundwater vulnerability and high water table observed on site, the Inspector was not satisfied that the wastewater treatment system would not lead to a risk of groundwater pollution.
- The proposed vehicular entrance onto the R-265-2 regional road is unsafe as the applicant lacks the legal interest to provide adequate sightlines to the north, and existing signage obstructs views to the south near a bend in the road.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy RH-P-5Policy RH-P-1Policy RH-P-2Policy WES-P-11Policy T-P-15Appendix 3
Decision Document Summary
This report concerns a first-party appeal for a proposed 143sqm single-storey dwelling and wastewater treatment system on a 0.28ha site in Glenfad, Ballindrait, Co. Donegal. The site is part of a larger agricultural field in an area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence'. While the Planning Authority originally refused permission based on public health (wastewater) and traffic safety, the Inspector expanded the assessment to include rural housing policy. The Inspector argued that per...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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