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to restore and extend existing semi-ruinous farm cottage for habitable use further to previous grant of permission. (Galway Co. Co. Ref No. 21334, ABP Ref No. 310364-21). The works will involve: (A) Forming a single storey split level extension to the northern side of the cottage. Works will also include the following previously approved elements: (B) minor external alterations to elevations of existing cottage including replacement of roof, (C) internal refurbishment to cottage, (D) installation of new proprietary sewage treatment system with filter area as well as all associated site works.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended granting permission for the original, larger extension design (167.4 sqm) by amending restrictive conditions, finding that the design is consistent with policies for renovating derelict dwellings (Objective RH7) and integrates sensitively with the coastal landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed 167.4 sqm extension is acceptable as its low-level, single-storey design borrows design cues from the original cottage and harmonizes with the sensitive coastal topography.
- Objective RH7 supports bringing derelict dwellings back into use to modern standards without requiring the applicant to demonstrate a 'local need' or necessitating an enurement clause.
- Conditions 1 and 3(a) should be amended to reference the original April/May 2022 plans, as the larger scheme is not out of scale with its surroundings and meets all development plan requirements.