Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development would result in the loss of 147 sqm of existing dedicated outdoor play space, replacing it with a narrow, substandard 2.5m-wide strip of land that is insufficient for functional use, thereby constituting overdevelopment and failing to meet the high-quality play space requirements of Objective DMSO79.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The temporary portacabin's design and height of 3 metres would not significantly impact visual or residential amenity in terms of overshadowing or overlooking.
- The siting of the structure on existing play space results in a cramped layout and a replacement play area that is fundamentally unsuitable for children's welfare due to its narrow and linear nature.
- The proposal constitutes overdevelopment of a restricted site and fails to provide adequate indoor and outdoor play space as required by local planning objectives and national childcare guidelines.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Fingal County Development Plan 2023-2029Objective DMSO79Objective DMSO118Section 14.14.2Table 14.17Table 14.19Section 15.15.1
Decision Document Summary
This report concerns a first-party appeal against Fingal County Council's decision to refuse permission for a temporary (5-year) single-story portacabin (57.2 sqm) and boundary wall modifications at Charlie's Childcare, Donabate. The site is located within a residential estate on a 0.07-hectare plot already housing a two-story creche. The Planning Authority refused permission citing inappropriate design, inadequate open space (Objective DMSO79), and traffic hazards (Objective DMSO118). While the...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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