Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommends granting permission, concluding that the conversion of an existing farm building for agricultural employee accommodation is acceptable in principle and that refusal on prematurity grounds pending a Local Area Plan (LAP) is unreasonable due to the lack of a defined timeframe for the LAP.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The provision of on-site caretaker accommodation is a sustainable reuse of an existing agricultural building and is consistent with the nature of the farm holding.
- Refusal based on prematurity regarding the emerging Rathmichael LAP is unjustified as the Planning Authority has provided no commencement or adoption date for the plan.
- The development would not create a significant impact on the local road network or public health and is in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Zoning Objective A1Section 2.6.1.3Section 2.6.3.1Table 2.16Section 7.16.1 (Development Management Guidelines 2007)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the change of use of a 53.26 sq.m. vacant single-storey farm building at Seaview Farm, Shankill, into a one-bedroom dwelling for a caretaker. The site is located on A1-zoned land within the proposed Rathmichael LAP boundary. The Planning Authority initially refused permission, arguing that the development was not a 'minor modification' and was premature pending the LAP. However, the Inspector overturned this view, noting that the reuse of existing structures is sustainable ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.
PDF Document Missing
The original decision document for this case could not be linked. This often happens for older cases or those with restricted documentation.
Search for case on ABP