A proposal to build 37 houses half a kilometre from the centre of Knock village has been rejected by An Bord Pleanála following objections from a number of groups including An Taisce and the Heritage Council.
An Taisce claimed the application highlighted the particularly unsatisfactory and unplanned manner in which the development of the village has been facilitated in the late 20th century.
According to the Heritage Council, "the area around Knock has been characterised by unplanned ribbon development housing sprawl with individual septic tank disposal". The North Western Fisheries Board, meanwhile, pointed out in a submission that a stream runs near the site and warned of the dangers to the local salmonid population.
Last March, Mayo County Council granted planning permission to Mr Thomas Maloney for the development, in the townland of Drum, subject to 34 conditions.
But this has now been overturned on appeal to An Bord Pleanála. Objectors referred to a number of issues including proposed density, impact on skyline, "potential blight on the landscape" and "monstrosity on top of a hill".
Refusing permission for the development, planning inspector Mr Tom Rabbette commented that permitting the development of this prominent field while surrounding lands remain undeveloped would create a rather odd visual impact in the area. Mr Rabbette said there were significant tracts of land closer to the village core that remain undeveloped.