SD21A/0021
Conversion of existing garage and change of use and a section of the existing house at ground floor (circa 75sq.m) to Creche/Pre-School with external play area which is partially covered with fabric canopies; construction of associated standalone storage unit (circa 27sq.m); associated signage; internal alterations and all associated site works; the Creche/Pre-School is sessional with one morning teaching session of three hours and one afternoon teaching session of three hours 8:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 3pm Monday to Friday for up to a maximum of 22 children; the facility will meet Tusla requirements of the businesses of this nature with the operator of the facility offering the ECCE scheme and the National Childcare Scheme.
Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development is consistent with the 'RES' residential zoning objective and specific County Development Plan policies supporting childcare facilities, and would not significantly injure local residential amenities or traffic safety subject to compliance with conditions regarding sessional hours and set-down parking provision.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The use is permitted in principle under the RES zoning and aligns with Policy C8 to support the provision of good quality, accessible childcare facilities in residential areas.
- Noise and residential amenity impacts are mitigated by the layout, which places the play area away from the northern neighbor, and the sessional nature of the 'naionra' which typically operates during school terms only.
- Traffic and parking issues are adequately resolved through the provision of three off-street spaces and four dedicated parallel set-down spaces on Rossmore Crescent, which will also provide a traffic calming effect.