SD25A/0065W
Change of use from furniture shop and window shop/showroom to a multi-functional space to include a place of worship and community centre (with ancillary office space);Minor internal alterations to layouts and alterations to the elevations to facilitate the change of use; The provision of car parking spaces and bicycle spaces and; All associated landscaping and site development works. The subject site includes a Protected Structure (Steward's Crafts - Record No. 020).
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommends a grant of permission, concluding that the proposal secures the long-term conservation and sensitive reuse of a Protected Structure (Steward's Crafts) under Policy NCBH19 Objective 4, which justifies a relaxation of 'EE' zoning restrictions that would otherwise prohibit a place of worship in this location.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The adaptive reuse of the Protected Structure is consistent with best practice conservation policies and Policy NCBH19, allowing for a relaxation of the 'EE' zoning objective to ensure the building's long-term preservation.
- Potential traffic and parking impacts are mitigated by restricting operating hours to off-peak periods and limiting maximum occupancy to 50 persons, ensuring no significant conflict with peak commuter traffic at Lucan Bridge.
- The development is compatible with the character of the Lucan Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and will not negatively impact the visual or residential amenities of the surrounding area.