Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommended granting permission (overturning the Planning Authority's refusal), concluding that the proposed gym use would provide a viable use for a long-term vacant unit, animate the street frontage, and is appropriate under a case-by-case assessment of the zoning objective despite not being specifically listed as permitted.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed gym use, though technically a 'sports facility' not explicitly listed in MIC zoning, is appropriate on a case-by-case basis as it addresses long-term vacancy and enhances the vitality of the pedestrianized street.
- The applicant successfully demonstrated that the unit's specific location and poor aspect make it unviable for continued café/restaurant use in comparison to nearby units.
- A temporary permission of four years is recommended to allow for a future planning review and to ensure that the option for reinstating an 'optimal' café/restaurant use remains open in the long term.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Plan 2016-2022Mixed Use Inner Core (MIC) zoning objectiveAppendix 15 Sandyford Urban Framework Plan 2016-2022 (SUFP)Section 8.3.9Section 8.3.7Section 1.6 of the SUFPSection 2.6 of the National Planning Framework
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks a change of use from a 242 sq.m vacant café/restaurant to a commercial gym at Unit 4, Block L, Central Park, Dublin 18. The Planning Authority initially refused the proposal, stating it materially contravened the 'Mixed Use Inner Core' (MIC) zoning objective where gym uses are not explicitly permitted. The Inspector's report highlights that the unit has remained vacant despite marketing efforts, likely due to its partially obscured location below street level. The Inspector...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.
PDF Document Missing
The original decision document for this case could not be linked. This often happens for older cases or those with restricted documentation.
Search for case on ABP