Council planning refusal for West Mayo house is reversed

An Coimisiún Pleanála has overturned a Mayo Co Council decision to refuse planning permission for a home in West Mayo.

The local authority previously refused planning for the house on a site overlooking Clew Bay at Rosbeg, Westport. A sibling of the applicant has a house nearby but it was deemed that the applicant did not have a “longstanding link” to the coastal area and granting permission would contravene the Mayo County Development Plan.

The commission's inspector found that this reason was “not merited". He noted evidence of residence in the area, a letter of support from Rosbeg residents and details of employment from the applicant.

Council planners had previously stated that an alternative site at Boheh was available but this was discounted by the inspector.

“Based on the appeal, where I consider it has been shown that it is not realistically feasible to use this alternative site and also noting that the consent of two other parties would be required to make it available for such use, I do not consider it reasonable to expect the applicant to use the alternative site for a dwelling rather than the subject site,” he commented.

An Coimisiún Pleanála also found that development would be acceptable and would comply with the Rural Housing Objective of the Mayo County Development Plan. Planning permission has been granted subject to conditions. One of the conditions includes a residency clause which stated that the dwelling shall be a place of permanent residence by the applicant and it will remain occupied for a period of at least seven years.