HomeMy WebLinkAbout25107 - Application - Cover LetterNOEL Mc GAHON
Architectural Design
& Planning Services
ESSEXFORD, DUNDALK, CO.LOUTH.
Mobile: 087 2359 206
Email: noelmcg123@gmaiI.com
VAT Reg. No: IE 6674891F
Monaghan County Council,
Planning Section,
County Offices,
No. 1 Dublin Street,
Monaghan. Date: 16.12.2025.
ATTN:- Ben Clerkin & Adrian Hughes
Re: Michael Murnaghan & Emma Heavin — Permission for a 2 -storey / single storey type
dwelling house, a domestic garage, a domestic wastewater treatment system, the use of an
existing site entrance and private laneway to access the development to include all
associated site development works at Dunaree, Laragh, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.
Ben & Adrian,
Further to a pre -planning site visit with Councillor Noel Keelan in Aug 2025, please find enclosed the
necessary documentation to complete the above named application.
Schedule of documents:
• Fully completed and signed application form.
• Appropriate planning fee € 65.
• 1 copy of the Water Protection Plan.
• 1 copy of the site characterisation form & site specific report.
• 1 copy of the site notice.
• 1 copy of the newspaper notice.
• 6 copies of the site location map.
• 6 copies of the site layout map & site sections.
• 6 copies of all drawings, plans, elevations, sections, levels & specifications.
• Copies of legal agreements with adjoining landowners.
Trusting all is to your satisfaction,
If you have any queries you can contact me at 087 235 9206
Yours
Faithfully,
` f A..£ NRIC,.i 'CTON
19 DEC 2025
II
Noel Mc Gahon (Planning Agent)
Planning supporting statement
Applicants: Michael Murnaghan & Emma Heavin
Site Location: Dunaree, Laragh, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.
Date: 16.12.2025
1. Introduction
19 DEC 2025
This statement is submitted in support of a full planning application for a part 2 -storey, part single -
storey dwelling, a domestic garage, a wastewater treatment system, and associated site works.
The proposal utilises an existing site entrance and private laneway to access the development.
2. Pre -Planning Consultation
A formal pre -planning site visit was conducted in August 2025 with Senior Planner Adrian Hughes and
Councillor Noel Keelan. The feedback received during this meeting has been incorporated into the
design and siting of the proposed development to ensure it integrates sympathetically with the
surrounding landscape.
3. Planning Policy and Rural Housing Need
The site is located within the rural countryside as defined by the Monaghan County Development Plan,
which supports rural housing where a genuine local or functional need is demonstrated.
The applicant wishes to build on the family landholding and reside beside the family farm, enabling him
to attend to livestock and carry out part time farming duties. The proximity of the proposed dwelling to
the farm is essential to the effective and smooth operation of the agricultural enterprise, particularly in
relation to animal welfare and ongoing farm management.
The proposal therefore represents a genuine rural housing need consistent with the objectives of the
Development Plan to support rural communities and active farming.
4. Design and Integration
The proposed dwelling has been sited to:
• Respect the existing field boundaries and landscape features;
• Minimise visual impact from the public road and adjoining lands.
• Follow the natural contours of the site.
• Reflect the traditional vernacular of Monaghan rural architecture while providing modern,
energy -efficient living standards.
The part two -storey, part single -storey form reduces overall bulk and massing while providing
appropriate family accommodation. External finishes will be traditional and sympathetic to the rural
character of the area.
5. Access and Services
• Access: The development will utilise an existing site entrance and private laneway. This minimizes the
need for new openings onto the public road and ensures that existing hedgerows and roadside
boundaries are preserved. Traffic levels will be low and typical of a single rural dwelling ensuring traffic
safety and minimal impact on the local road network.
• Wastewater: A site -specific Domestic Wastewater Treatment System (DWWTS) is proposed.
A Site Characterisation Assessment has been carried out to ensure the soil conditions meet EPA Code of
Practice standards, protecting the local groundwater and the environment.
• Surface Water Drainage: All clean surface water from roofs and paved areas will be collected and
discharged into adequately designed soak pits located within the site boundaries. These will be designed
in accordance with BRE Digest 365 to ensure efficient infiltration and to prevent any runoff onto the
public road or neighboring lands.
• Water Supply: It is proposed to provide a reliable and potable water supply to the dwelling via a new
bored well on -site. The location of this well has been selected to ensure maximum separation distances
from any proposed or existing wastewater treatment systems, in full compliance with environmental
health standards.
• Landscaping: Native species planting will be used to screen the development and enhance local
biodiversity, further integrating the site into the landscape.
8. Conclusion
ij
The proposed development:
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• Is located on a family landholding in a rural agricultural area;
• Supports the continued operation of an active family farm;
• Makes use of existing access infrastructure;
• Is appropriately designed and sited to integrate with the rural landscape;
• Complies with the policies and objectives of the Monaghan County Development Plan.
The applicants respectfully request that the Planning Authority look favourably upon their
development.
Yours Faithfully,
Noel Mc Gahon (Planning Agent)