SD21A/0148
The refurbishment of Katherine Tynan House, or ‘Whitehall’, a Protected Structure (RPS ref.197), with change of use from disused dwelling to community centre. Works will entail refurbishment of the roof and external walls; reinstatement of windows and external doors; ceilings and floors; reinstatement of a conservatory and glazed porch (10sq.m and 5sq.m respectively); new internal stairs and doors; new services and sanitary accommodation; two new single storey open-fronted structures on part of the footprint earlier outbuildings with an enclosed area for toilets (534sq.m); refurbishment of historic garden walls and gates; upgrading of the existing non historic entrance and approach from the Ballymount Road; and provision for parking on site.
Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed refurbishment and extension of the Protected Structure (Katharine Tynan House) for community purposes is considered acceptable in design, form, and scale. The project ensures the long-term preservation and active reuse of a derelict historic building without adversely impacting its character, setting, or the local traffic environment, thereby aligning with the 'RU' (Rural and Agriculture) zoning objective.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The sympathetic restoration and change of use of this derelict Protected Structure serves the public interest by securing its structural survival and providing a multi-functional community space.
- The proposed vehicular access from Ballymount Road is appropriate for the scale of the development and achieves the necessary visibility requirements, whereas alternative access from Belgard Road or the historic gate would be inappropriate or unfeasible.
- The use of natural slate for the roofing is an acceptable conservation approach that provides better durability and protection against vandalism in an isolated location compared to the original thatch.