Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed wastewater treatment system fails to comply with the minimum separation distances required by the EPA Code of Practice, posing a risk of groundwater pollution, and the applicant failed to demonstrate that the development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed wastewater treatment system is non-compliant with EPA Code of Practice standards, specifically failing to meet minimum separation distances from the dwelling (c.3m provided vs 7m required) and the adjacent open drain (c.8m provided vs 10m required).
- The applicant failed to undertake a sub-surface percolation test (T-test) to demonstrate the subsoil's capacity to treat effluent, which is a critical omission given the site's proximity to a sensitive receptor.
- Following a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment, it cannot be concluded beyond reasonable doubt that the project would not adversely affect the integrity of the Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC due to the direct hydrological connection via an open drain and the lack of detailed construction and drainage specifications.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024UB-P-12UB-P-27NH-P-7Map 6.2.1 'Rural Area Types'Map 7.1.1 'Scenic Amenity'
Decision Document Summary
This report concerns an appeal against Donegal County Council's decision to grant permission for the retention of a raised roof ridge height (to 5.3m) and the installation of a new wastewater treatment system at a site in Bunaninver, Co. Donegal. The site is a small, 0.084ha plot located in an area of 'High Scenic Amenity' and situated approximately 30m from the Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC. While the Inspector found the principle of residential use and the raised roof height acceptable in terms...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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