WEB2619/25
(i) at basement floor level - removal of external and internal walls and construction of new floor level within a revised and reconfigured building footprint; (ii) at ground floor level - removal of northern and western external walls, partial removal of eastern external wall to River Dodder, removal of all internal wall partitions, extension of the internal floor area and provision of a new outdoor terrace along the River Dodder; (iii) removal of existing chimney, elevational alarm panels/glazing/lighting/signage and boundary gate/railings to Shelbourne Road; (iv) construction of a five storey extension of contemporary design and finish atop the existing single-storey building to include amenity roof terrace with swimming pool; and, (v) all ancillary works necessary to facilitate the development inclusive of structural works, new stair/lift cores, ESB substation, elevational planting and drainage works. The resulting six storey over basement level building will accommodate a bar/café at ground floor level, a restaurant at first floor level and a 24 no. bedroom boutique hotel from second to fifth floor level with ancillary plant, staff area, bin store and bicycle parking area at basement level. The application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS).
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development constitutes overdevelopment of a restricted and prominent site within the River Dodder Conservation Area, where the excessive height and scale would be visually dominant and overbearing, while the lack of on-site servicing facilities would create significant traffic hazards on a major urban artery.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed six-storey height and massing on this constrained site are incongruous with the established 2-3 storey character of the immediate streetscape and fail to contribute positively to the River Dodder Conservation Area.
- The development represents a significant overdevelopment of the site, evidenced by a plot ratio (4.5) and site coverage (97.8%) that drastically exceed the indicative standards set out in the Dublin City Development Plan for conservation areas.
- The failure to provide dedicated on-site loading, set-down, or refuse collection facilities on a heavily trafficked road junction would lead to traffic congestion and potential hazards for road users and pedestrians.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal seeks permission for a five-storey contemporary extension atop the former single-storey Ulster Bank building at a prominent corner site in Ballsbridge. The resulting six-storey over basement structure would accommodate a 24-bedroom boutique hotel, a bar/café, a restaurant, and a rooftop amenity terrace with a swimming pool. While the Inspector acknowledged the high-quality architectural design, the primary concern centered on the site's restricted nature and its location within the ...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