2443455
Planning permission for a Large-Scale Residential Development at a site located at the Former St. Josephs Convent, Model Farm Road, Cork. The development will consist of: The demolition of the former St. Josephs convent to provide for the construction of a 408 bed Purpose-built Student Accommodation development, café and all ancillary site development works. The proposed development will be provided in 2 no. apartment buildings, 2-5 storeys in height, which include 57 no. apartments ranging in size from 3-7 bedrooms (335 bedspaces) and 73 no. studio apartments, all served by open space, internal student amenities, bin stores, bike stores, ESB substation with a tank room and plant room at basement level. The proposed development will be accessed from Model Farm Road by a new vehicular/pedestrian access and provides for cycle and car parking spaces. LRD Website: www.stjosephslrd2.ie
Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development is recommended for grant as it aligns with the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 and national policy by providing purpose-built student accommodation on a well-located, zoned urban site with high accessibility to third-level institutions and public transport, without significantly injuring the residential or visual amenities of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal is acceptable in principle under the ZO 1 zoning objective and addresses a documented demand for student housing proximate to University College Cork and Munster Technological University.
- The revised design, featuring a reduction in studio units and improved setbacks, successfully mitigates potential overbearance and overlooking, ensuring that the residential amenity of adjoining estates like Woodlawn and Laburnum Lawn is protected.
- The density and building height (ranging from 2 to 5 storeys) are appropriate for this transitional urban location, which is well-served by existing bus routes and planned high-capacity transport infrastructure like BusConnects and the Luas.