Council warns garage conversion would set undesirable precedent for further rural development in Strandhill

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

An appeal has been lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála by Rory Kilfeather following the decision by Sligo County Council to refuse planning retention for the conversion and change of use from original existing domestic garage together with all associated site works and landscaping at Ladys Well, Scardenmore, Strandhill .

Outlining the reasons for refusing permission, the notification of decision to refuse permission noted the development is located along a designated scenic route as per the County Development Plan.

The notification of decision continues, “It is the policy of the planning authority to manage development in such areas and to restrict the provision of one-off rural housing in accordance with the criteria set out in policy SP-S-12. On the basis of information submitted it is not considered that the proposed development complies with this policy.

“The proposed development would constitute inappropriate housing development in a rural area lacking certain public services, would militate against the preservation of the rural environment, would set an undesirable precedent for further such development at this location and would give rise to an uneconomic demand for the provision of public services and facilities. The development would conflict with the provisions of the Development Plan and accordingly is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

It was also noted that the development is “out of character with the locality,” with the notification issued by Sligo County Council stating, “The retention of the conversion of a domestic garage to a separate dwelling house would be out of character and inconsistent with the pattern of development in the immediate area and would result in a residential unit inappropriately positioned on a back land site which would set an undesirable precedent for further such development and accordingly is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

The third reason given for permission being refused related to wastewater treatment with the decision from Sligo County Council stating, “The effluent from the subject separate dwelling house is currently treated by the existing septic tank unit and existing percolation area serving the main residential property on the site.

“The existing effluent treatment disposal situation on site is therefore contrary to policy P-WWT-which states that communal on-site wastewater treatment systems for multiple housing developments (i.e. systems servicing more than one residential unit) will not be permitted. The development accordingly is prejudicial to public health by reason of environmental pollution and is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

The appeal submitted on behalf of Mr Kilfeather states, “It is respectfully submitted that the decision proceeds from a mischaracterisation of the development. The unit the subject of this appeal is not an independent dwelling house. It is ancillary family accommodation, subordinate to and functionally interdependent with the existing main dwelling on the site, occupied by a member of the applicants family. When the development is correctly understood in that light, each of the three reasons for refusal falls away.

“The applicant is willing to accept planning conditions that place this ancillary status beyond doubt.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.