Core Planning Reasoning
The application failed to provide sufficient demonstrable evidence of a rural-generated housing need (economic or social) to reside in an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence,' as required by Policy RH-P-5 of the County Donegal Development Plan 2018-2024 and National Policy Objective 19 of the National Planning Framework.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- While the design, visual impact, and wastewater treatment proposals were deemed acceptable, the lack of documentary evidence regarding the applicants' 7-year residency or local links was a fundamental deficit.
- The Inspector determined that the Planning Authority's reliance on a letter of support from an elected official did not constitute the 'demonstrable evidence' required by national and local planning policy.
- The proposed development would contribute to the encroachment of rural development and militate against the preservation of the rural environment in an area under significant urban pressure.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RH-O-2RH-O-3RH-O-5RH-P-1RH-P-2RH-P-5RH-P-9NH-P-7T-P-15WES-P-11Appendix 4 (Building a House in Rural Donegal)Appendix 3 (Development Guidelines and Technical Standards)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a 175sqm single-storey dwelling and a 41sqm domestic garage with a wastewater treatment system on a 0.287ha site in Carrowhugh, Greencastle. The site is located in an area designated as having 'High Scenic Amenity' and is under 'Strong Urban Influence.' While the Donegal County Council granted permission, a third-party appeal was lodged citing concerns over road ownership, traffic safety on the narrow access lane, and surface water flooding. The Inspecto...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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