Core Refusal Reason
The development results in the excessive commercialisation of a high-quality public plaza, diminishing its intended role for pedestrian use and informal recreation, while creating visual clutter and physical barriers that impede wayfinding and harm residential amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The retention of food trailers and events commercialises a dedicated public pedestrian plaza, undermining its function as a distinct focal point and recreational space.
- The structures and associated furniture create visual clutter and physical obstructions that impede pedestrian flow and wayfinding between Dundrum Town Centre, the Mill Theatre, and Sandyford Road.
- The intensity of the proposed use, particularly evening and nighttime events, would have a negative impact on the residential amenity of nearby apartment developments due to noise and general nuisance.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective PHP37: Public Realm DesignPolicy Objective PHP38: Public Realm OfferingPolicy Objective MFC3: Placemaking in our Towns and VillagesPolicy Objective RET5: Major Town CentresSection 12.6.5: Fast Food Outlets/Takeaways/RestaurantsPolicy DLAP2: Urban Design DundrumPolicy DLAP5: Public RealmPolicy DLAP6: Public Realm Rebalancing
Decision Document Summary
The proposal seeks retention for the use of part of Town Square (347sqm) at Dundrum Town Centre for food and beverage stalls (3-4 trailers) and occasional promotional events. The site is a key pedestrian thoroughfare and plaza adjacent to the Mill Pond water feature. The Inspector noted that while the land is zoned 'Major Town Centre', the development significantly detracts from the quality of the public realm. Key arguments against the proposal include the fact that the trailers obstruct views ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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