Refusal decisions · 17–23 Aug 2026

1. The proposed development would result in a substandard form of residential accommodation by reason of the inadequate bedroom dimensions within Dwelling 2 and the failure to satisfactorily demonstrate compliance with the Planning Design Standards for Apartments, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2025). Furthermore, the restricted bedroom window openings and reliance on high-level rooflight openings serving habitable accommodation would result in an unacceptable standard of residential amenity for future occupants. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the Housing Strategy, Placemaking Strategy and Development Management Standards relating to Residential Development (Section 16.4.4), Design and Layout (Section 16.4.4.9) and Apartments (Section 16.4.4.10) of the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 and contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
2. The proposed development, by reason of the failure to achieve the recommended separation distance between opposing windows and the reliance on a 1.8m high solid terrace enclosure to mitigate overlooking, would result in an unacceptable impact on residential amenity. The proposal would give rise to concerns relating to overlooking, privacy and sunlight for both existing and future occupants and would create an unsatisfactory residential environment. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 and contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
3. The proposed development, by reason of its scale, height, massing and design within a constrained secondary rear-lane location, would appear as an overly dominant form of development that would adversely affect the established character, appearance and hierarchy of the surrounding built environment. The proposal would represent an inappropriate and visually intrusive form of development that fails to satisfactorily integrate with its surroundings and would therefore be contrary to the Housing Strategy, Placemaking Strategy and Development Management Standards relating to Residential Development (Section 16.4.4) and Design and Layout (Section 16.4.4.9) of the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 and contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The unauthorised works have resulted in the loss of historic fabric, alterations to the historic layout and changes to approved materials which have adversely affected the character, integrity and heritage significance of the Protected Structure. The Planning Authority is not satisfied that these works have been adequately justified or that they accord with accepted conservation practice. The development is therefore contrary to Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and would set an undesirable precedent for unauthorised works to Protected Structures.