Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need, and the proposal was deemed to pose significant risks to traffic safety, visual amenity in a sensitive landscape, and the conservation objectives of a nearby Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to substantiate a genuine rural housing need or a functional rural linkage to the area, which is a requirement for development in a Rural Housing Zone 4.
- The proposed development is located in close proximity to the Kilkieran Bay and Islands SAC, and in the absence of a habitats assessment, the planning authority could not rule out significant adverse effects on the integrity of the protected site.
- The proposal would create a traffic hazard due to restricted visibility at the site entrance onto the R340 Regional route and would negatively impact the visual character of a designated Class 3 sensitive coastal landscape and scenic route.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective RH 4DM Standard 7Policy Objective NHB 1Policy Objective NHB 2DM Standard 50DM Standard 28Policy Objective NNR 2Policy Objective RH 9Policy Objective LCM 1Policy Objective LCM 2DM Standard 8DM Standard 46
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involved the construction of a single-storey dwelling and a wastewater treatment system on an elevated greenfield site at Cill Chiaráin, Galway West. The site is situated within a sensitive Class 3 landscape along the R340 Regional route, which is a designated maritime scenic route, and lies approximately 170m from the Kilkieran Bay and Islands SAC. Galway County Council refused permission because the applicant failed to demonstrate a qualifying rural housing need, the development p...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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