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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660310 - Submission - [E] Hugh Joseph FinneganSubmission Details Submitter Name Hugh Joseph Finnegan Address Monaghan Note In relation to application File Number 2660310 Name Gillespie Joseph Address Kilnadreen Monaghan Co. Monaghan RECEIVED: 24/08/2026 Hugh Joseph Finnegan Monaghan 24 August 2026 Planning Department Monaghan County Council Re: Planning Application Ref. 2660310 – Renovation of Existing Dwelling at Kilnadreen, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to formally lodge an objection to planning application Ref. 2660310, relating to the proposed renovation of the existing dwelling at Kilnadreen, Monaghan. I wish to make clear that my objection is not to the principle of renovating and bringing the existing derelict dwelling back into use. My objection relates speciflcally to the proposed introduction of two new windows on the Side 2 elevation of the property, and the signiflcant privacy and overlooking implications that these windows would create for my home. Having examined the submitted existing and proposed drawings, the difference is clear. The existing Side 2 elevation contains no windows and is effectively a blank gable elevation. This is shown on the existing survey drawings, which identify the elevation as “Survey Side 2”. However, the proposed plans introduce two windows into this previously blank elevation, one at ground-fioor level and another at flrst-fioor level. The proposed drawing speciflcally identifles this elevation as “Planning Side 2”. This represents a material change from the existing situation. These are not replacement windows for existing openings; they are new openings being created in a wall which currently has no windows. Of particular concern is the very close relationship between the two properties. My house is approximately 30 feet (approximately 9 metres) directly to the side of the application property. At such a short distance, the introduction of new windows, particularly at flrst-fioor level, would create a signiflcant opportunity for direct overlooking of my property and would materially reduce the privacy currently enjoyed at my home. My house does not have side windows overlooking into the property concerned. The existing arrangement therefore provides a degree of mutual privacy which has existed while the neighbouring property has remained without windows on this side elevation. The proposed development would change this arrangement by creating new direct lines of sight towards my property where none currently exist. I am particularly concerned about the flrst-fioor window, as its elevated position, combined with the close distance between the properties, would provide a signiflcantly greater opportunity for direct overlooking into my property and private areas. The proposed ground-fioor window would also introduce a new line of sight which does not currently exist. In my view, the privacy impact is avoidable because the existing building already demonstrates that this side elevation can function without windows. The proposed accommodation can RECEIVED: 24/08/2026 therefore be designed without creating new overlooking opportunities onto neighbouring residential property. I respectfully ask Monaghan County Council to carefully consider the impact of these two proposed windows on the residential amenities and privacy of my property, particularly given the approximately 30-foot separation between the houses, and to refuse the proposed Side 2 windows. If the Planning Authority considers that windows are necessary to provide light or ventilation to the proposed rooms, I would ask that an alternative solution be required, such as relocating the windows to another elevation where overlooking would not occur. I would also ask that the Planning Authority consider the difference between the existing and proposed Side 2 elevations when assessing the application. The existing drawings show a blank elevation, whereas the proposed drawings introduce two new windows into this elevation. I have no objection in principle to the refurbishment of the derelict dwelling and would welcome the property being brought back into proper residential use. However, this should not be achieved at the expense of the privacy and residential amenity of the adjoining property when the overlooking can reasonably be avoided. I respectfully request that this objection be taken into consideration when determining planning application Ref. 2660310. Yours faithfully, Hugh Joseph Finnegan RECEIVED: 24/08/2026