3411/22

PROTECTED STRUCTURE: PERMISSION & RETENTION: For development at this site (0.0185 hectares) within the existing 4-storey over basement properties comprising the formed Irish Yeast Company at 6 College St. (RPS Ref. 2010), The Times Hostel (upper floors only) at 31 Fleet St. (RPS Ref. 2925), and minor changes to the rears of 7 College St. (RPS Ref. 2011) and 30 Fleet St. (RPS Ref. 2924) at 1st floor only, Dublin 2. (PROTECTED STRUCTURES). The proposal provides for the conservation and restoration of historic fabric and the refurbishment and restoration of active use to No. 6 College St. providing for change of the historic retail use to use as a café/bar and reception area at ground floor level and the provision of 3 no. one-bedroom apartments at the upper floors. The proposal also includes minor alterations within the upper floor interiors only of 31 Fleet St. in order to provide universally accessible bathrooms. It will further include for the removal of the existing two-storey extension to the rear of 6 College St. and the 1st floor extension to the rear of 31 Fleet St. New works include a replacement extension to the rear of 6 College Street with a glazed atrium containing a lift and enhanced circulation spaces and interconnection which provide for universal access and compliant fire safety and escape to the upper floors of both buildings. In addition to the above, the proposal will also provide for the following works at ground, 1st, 2nd and 3rd floor levels: Ground Floor Level: (i) Conservation works to existing historic fabric, reinstatement of original cabinetry, panelling, fire upgrading of door and partitions to lobby on west side. (ii) Change of use at ground-floor level of No. 6 College St. from retail to use as a café/bar and reception area and use of the existing stairwell as access to proposed new apartments at 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor levels. (iii) Retention permission is sought for minor alterations including the removal of 2 no. modern partitions. First, Second and Third Floor Levels: (i) Provision of new opes in the rear façade of 6 College St. and the side façade of 31 Fleet St. (ii) Reconfiguration of non-original partition walls to existing en-suite in 30 Fleet St. at 1st floor level only. (iii) Demolition of non-original timber-clad structure to the rear of 7 College St. and reinstatement of original, multi-pane sash window to rear façade of 7 College St. at 1st floor level only. (iv) Provision of 1 no. apartment at each of the 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor levels including extension to rear of 6 College St. (v) Glazed atrium to rear of No. 6 College St. containing a lift and enhanced circulation spaces and interconnection which provide for universal access and compliant fire safety and escape to the upper floors of both 6 College Street and 31 Fleet St. (vi) Reconfiguration of existing modern partitions and en-suites to provide universally accessible bathrooms to 2nd and 3rd floor levels of 31 Fleet Street. (vii) Demolition of modern extension at 1st floor level of 31 Fleet St. to reveal and reinstate the original multi-pane sash window to the rear façade and removal of cementitious render and repair and repointing of brickwork to rear façade. (viii) Structural repair works to the basement of 6 College St. in order to save the ground floor structure and coverings. Permission is also sought for works to stabilise the debonding brickwork on the front façade, cleaning and repair of brickwork, repointing of the brickwork, reinstatement of quoins and stencilled historic paintwork, repairs to carved timber shopfront, refurbishment and reinstatement of multi-pane, single-glazed sash windows to the rear façade of 31 Fleet St and reinstatement of the original front entrance door to the east side all to front of 6 College Street.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

While originally refused by the Planning Authority due to concerns over the loss of historic fabric and impact on Protected Structures, the Inspector recommended a grant of permission on the basis that the proposal represents a sustainable reuse of an underutilised heritage asset and balances conservation with the need for city-centre residential accommodation.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The principle of refurbishment and the 'living over the shop' approach is consistent with the Z5 zoning objective to consolidate and facilitate the development of the central area.
  • The proposed interventions, including the demolition of the rear return and the addition of a glazed atrium, are necessary for modern fire safety and universal access and do not materially injure the historic integrity or architectural character of the Protected Structures.
  • The restoration of No. 6 College Street and its iconic shopfront provides a significant planning gain for the streetscape and safeguards the future of a building currently in poor physical condition.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Z5 land use zoningPolicy BHA2 (a) – (h)Policy BHA7Policy BHA8Policy QHSN7Policy QHSN8Section 15.13.6 (Living over the shop)Section 15.9 (Apartment Standards)Policy CHC2

Decision Document Summary

The proposal involves the refurbishment and change of use of several interlinked Protected Structures in Dublin 2, primarily focusing on No. 6 College Street (the former Irish Yeast Company) and 31 Fleet Street. The development seeks to convert ground-floor retail into a café/bar and reception area, with three one-bedroom apartments provided on the upper floors. The Planning Authority initially refused permission, citing unacceptable loss of historic fabric and adverse impacts on the setting of ...
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