Over two-fifths of rural planning applications refused in Louth since 2021

More than two-fifths of planning permissions in Rural Policy Zones (RPZs) in Louth have been refused since the adoption of the County Development Plan 2021-2027, Louth County Council has confirmed.

Cllr James Byrne had asked the local authority ahead of the Louth County Council September meeting for a breakdown of "the planning permissions granted and refused to date since the adoption of the County Development Plan 2021-2027 to the present day for Rural Policy Zones (RPZ) 1 and 2 under each of the qualifying criteria applicable to both zones?"

Rural Policy Zone 1 refers to an area in Louth under strong urban influence and of significant landscape value. Rural Policy Zone 2 refers to an area under strong urban influence.

In the reply provided to Cllr Byrne from Director of Economic Delivery, Thomas McEvoy, in was revealed that of the 570 planning decisions in RPZs 1 and 2 during the period, 324 or 57% were approved, and 246 or 43% were refused.

In RPZ 1 during the period, out of 179 planning decisions, 93 or 52% were approved planning permission, with 86 or 48% refused.

In RPZ2 during the period, out of 391 planning decisions, 231 or 59% were approved planning permission, with 160 or 41% refused.