2187/21
Planning permission for the development on a 0.194 ha site. The propopsed development will principally consists of: the demolition of all existing structures on site (1,436 sqm) including nos. 42-44 (including the former Quinn's Public House), No.46 and the surviving facades of Nos. 48B, 50 and 50A Drumcondra Road Lower, Dubln9; and the provision of a part 2 no. to part 5 no. storey over partial basement mixed-use develoment containing 3 no. commercial units including a bookmakers (131 sqm), a cafe (46 sqm) and retail unit (84 sqm) at ground floor level and 50 no. build-to-rent apartments (11 no. studio units, 33 no. one bedroom units and 6 no. two bedroom units) and internal communal amenity/support facilities (224 sqm). The scheme which has a gross floor area of 3,157 sqm in addition to a part basement measuring 338 sqm, also includes an external deck access facing south extending from first level to third floor levels. The residential units will be principally accessed from St. Alphonsus Avenue with the scheme including pedestrian and cyclist access from the laneway to west connecting to St. Joseph's Avenue. The development also includes bicycle parking; bin stores; comms room; meter room; ESB substation; wintergardens and balconies facing north, east and west; roof garden facing north, east and west; green roofs, PV panels; boundary treatments; hard and soft landscaping; lighting; plant and all other assocciated site works above and below ground.
Core Refusal Reason
The unjustified demolition of a landmark building of architectural and social significance (Quinn's Public House) and its replacement with a development of inappropriate scale and design that fails to integrate with the historic streetscape and public realm.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The demolition of the former Quinn's building is contrary to Policy CHC1 and Section 16.10.17 of the Dublin City Development Plan, as it makes a positive contribution to the character and identity of the area.
- The proposed development is incongruous in form and design, failing to create an appropriate interface with the public realm at street level along Drumcondra Road Lower.
- The excessive scale and massing of the proposed four-to-five storey building would seriously injure the visual amenities and established built character of the area.