SD21A/0038
Revisions to the permitted 3-4 storey apartment and duplex apartment building (under planning Reg Ref ABP-305343-19) comprising: omission of the permitted commercial unit at upper ground floor level; reconfiguration of the internal floor plans of the apartment building and duplex units (all levels); associated changes to all elevations (including removal of setback at fourth floor level of the apartment block at the south, north and west elevations); minor repositioning of building footprint and minor decrease in parapet height; reconfiguration of layout to provide 2 additional 2-bedroom apartments and a reduction in 1 bedroom apartments (providing for 52 residential dwellings [50 dwellings permitted]) comprising 4 1-bedroom apartments, 36 2-bedroom apartments and 12 3-bedroom duplex units (6 1-bedroom apartments, 32 2-bedroom apartments and 12 3-bedroom duplex units permitted), (resulting in 382 dwellings on the overall wider site area); minor amendments to parking spaces, footpaths, associated road access and ancillary landscape treatment, all on a site on lands at Burgage Street and Newcastle Boulevard (and part of the wider site known as Newcastle South and Ballynakelly), Newcastle, Co. Dublin, relating to Reg Ref ABP-305343-19 - subject site comprises 0.64ha.
Core Refusal Reason
The unjustified removal of a required commercial/retail unit at a strategic corner site, which contravenes the Newcastle Local Area Plan objectives and results in poor urban design and lack of future adaptability.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The omission of the commercial/retail unit at this strategic corner location contravenes the Newcastle Local Area Plan (Objective BNM2) and fails to provide necessary local services or ensure future adaptability of the ground floor space.
- The proposed development fails to meet essential urban design criteria regarding public realm provision, wayfinding, and residential amenity, leading to a substandard form of development at a prominent location.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient technical information and assessments regarding surface water attenuation, SuDS, road safety layouts, bicycle parking, and daylight/sunlight impacts.