Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development is consistent with the 'Town Centre' zoning objective of the Seven Strategic Towns Local Area Plan 2018-2024, facilitates the sustainable re-use of a vacant building of architectural merit (NIAH listed), and is not expected to create significant traffic hazards or negatively impact the amenities of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The change of use from a bank to a café and B&B is acceptable in principle as it aligns with zoning objectives to strengthen the town centre area and improve urban vibrancy.
- The dispute regarding the legal Right of Way for access to the rear parking area is a civil matter outside the remit of the planning system, and the physical width of the alleyway is sufficient to accommodate single-vehicle movements.
- The proposed development is unlikely to result in a traffic hazard or seriously injure the architectural integrity of the NIAH-listed building, provided signage and external alterations are strictly controlled via condition.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Chapter 11Policy AH-O-1Policy AH-O-2Policy AH-P-2Policy AH-P-2APolicy AH-P-7Policy AH-P-8Table 16.8Strategic Objective SO1Policy GEN-TC-2Objective CL-TC-2Policy CL-TC-4Policy CL-TC-5Objective CL-EH-1Objective CL-TMR-1Policy CL-TMR-2
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the change of use of the former Bank of Ireland building on Main Street, Dungloe—a detached, two-storey NIAH-listed structure—into a ground-floor café and a 10-bedroom Bed & Breakfast across three floors. The site is zoned 'Town Centre' under the Seven Strategic Towns LAP. A third-party appeal by a neighbor raised concerns regarding a disputed Right of Way through a narrow side alleyway, traffic safety for pedestrians on Main Street, and property devaluation. The Inspector ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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