Mayo couple told they had no 'housing need' for home in Ballyvary

CASTLEBAR councillors have criticised a decision by Mayo County Council to refuse planning permission for a couple to build a house near Ballyvary as they failed to establish a housing need in the area.

The planning decision was raised at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council by Fianna Fail councillor Al McDonnell who called on the planning authority to reconsider their decision.

“This is a young couple with two young children who are prepared to spend to build a new house and the planner tells them they have no housing need. How ridiculous is that? I want this matter investigated and I want to state categorically that this planning application will be reapplied for and if it is not granted then there will be wigs on the green. It is outrageous," he told the meeting.

READ: Mayo councillor stands over Balla homeless accommodation comments

The couple who made the application are from the Ballyvary area and wished to build the house on lands which they purchased and are actively farming.

However, Mayo County Council planners said that the site is in an area defined as 'under urban influence' and found that the applicants had not fully complied with the Rural Housing Policy to demonstrate a social or economic link to the area despite a land registry folio and herd details being submitted.

In refusing the application, the council stated that insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that 'the applicant has a permanent housing need at this location' in accordance with planning guidelines.

The couple had previously sought planning to redevelop and extend an existing dwelling house on the site but the application was withdrawn after the council said it was not a dwelling but 'the rubble of a previous structure'.

This decision was also criticised by Cllr McDonnell who showed a picture of the previous dwelling to the other councillors.

Independent councillor Harry Barrett said he welcomed changes to planning laws which will be introduced in the summer which may make it easier for building in rural areas.

While agreeing '100 percent' with Cllr McDonnell on this matter, Cllr Donna Sheridan said there are helpful and reasonable planners who help applicants but added it drives her mad when young people starting out are denied planning.