Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development is recommended for grant as it complies with the 'CI' (Community Infrastructure) and 'LC' (Local Centre) zoning objectives, provides essential sheltered housing for the elderly, and represents an appropriate scale of infill development that protects the residential and visual amenities of the surrounding area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of providing 58 sheltered housing units and community facility extensions is acceptable under the site's 'CI' and 'LC' land-use zoning objectives.
- A 3-storey building height is considered appropriate for this suburban context and aligns with national and local policies for compact growth and residential consolidation.
- Potential impacts regarding overlooking, overshadowing, and traffic are sufficiently mitigated by adequate separation distances, professional site management plans, and proximity to public transport services.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029Policy CIOSP3 (Timely Provision of Community Facilities)Objective CIOSO7 (Community Infrastructure and Local Amenity)Policy CIOSP7 (Variety of Community Facilities)Objective SPQHO11 (Housing Need)Objective SPQHPO19 (Range of Housing Options for Older People)Policy SPQHP23 (Affordable, Social and Specialised Housing)Objective SPQHO37 (Residential Consolidation and Sustainable Intensification)Section 14.5.1 (Consolidation)Table 14.4 (Infill Development Standards)Section 14.11.4 (Sheltered Accommodation)Objective DMSO38Objective DMOS40 (Reduced Open Space Standards)Objective DMSO53 (Financial Contribution in Lieu of Open Space)Objective DMSO82 (Places of Worship)Objective DMSO137 (Replacement of Removed Trees)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a 3-storey, 58-unit sheltered housing apartment building, a 167 sq.m parish centre extension, and a detached 120 sq.m house for a Parish Priest at St. Finian's Church, Swords, Co. Dublin. The 1.13 ha site is situated in a established suburban area bounded by residential dwellings and the Holy Family Junior National School. The Inspector identifies the core issues as land-use zoning, scale and height, impacts on neighboring privacy, and tree loss. Despite...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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