Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommends a grant of permission, overturning the Planning Authority's refusal, on the basis that the ancillary event use is compatible with General Employment zoning objectives and will not interfere with neighboring industrial operations if restricted to specific hours.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed event facility is a minor component (c. 14%) of the overall building floor area, meaning the primary warehouse and distribution function of the site is retained.
- Restricting operating hours to evenings and weekends (outside of normal business hours) ensures that the use will not conflict with or undermine the industrial vitality of the surrounding estate.
- There are established precedents for non-industrial uses within the Airways Industrial Estate, such as a gymnastic club and trampoline centre, which have not negatively impacted the area's character.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Fingal County Development Plan 2023-2029Zoning Objective GEObjective EEO1Objective EEP2Objective EEO14Objective DMS089Objective DMSO12Section 14.4.6
Decision Document Summary
This report concerns a first-party appeal against Fingal County Council's decision to refuse permission for a change of use from warehouse/office to a licensed corporate and private event facility at Unit 39, Airways Industrial Estate. The Planning Authority argued the use was incompatible with 'GE' (General Employment) zoning and would set an undesirable precedent. The Inspector disagreed, noting that since the use is neither 'Permitted in Principle' nor 'Not Permitted,' it must be assessed on ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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