3939/24
PROTECTED STRUCTURE: PERMISSION & RETENTION: The development at this protected structure (RPS Ref. No. 797) will consist/consists of planning permission for the construction of a new 2 storey one-bed mews dwelling to the rear, with a pitched roof and 1st floor terrace facing Berkeley Place, with side pedestrian access to the rear of the protected structure; new external access & escape stairs to the rear of the protected structure; relocation of the existing external ground floor rear stairs of the protected structure to allow for the new stairs to the basement;new first floor window to existing extension to the rear of the protected structure and blocking up of existing 1st floor window adjacent inside protected structure :replacement of existing basement concrete floor with new concrete floor, DPM, insulation, boxing in and protection of existing fireplaces, installation of automatic opening vent in roof over staircase, all together with drainage, bin storage, bicycle parking and all ancillary works necessary to facilitate the entire development. Retention permission in the protected structure of :10 no. studios apartments (consisting of 2 no. studios & ancillary accommodation at the basement level, 3 no. studios at ground floor level, 3 no. studios at first floor level and 2 no. studios at second floor level), the removal of non-original partition walls at basement level, timber stud partition walls on all floors, first fix electrical and plumbing installation.
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to the seriously injurious impact on the internal architectural character and fabric of a Protected Structure and the provision of substantially substandard residential accommodation that fails to meet minimum floor area and amenity standards.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The intensification of the Protected Structure into 10 studio units requires extensive mechanical and electrical interventions and new partitions that significantly compromise the original plan form and historic interior fabric.
- The studio units are quantitatively and qualitatively substandard, with floor areas as small as 12.4sqm (well below the 37sqm national minimum) and a total lack of private amenity space or adequate dual aspect.
- The overall scheme represents overdevelopment of a restricted site, resulting in a communal open space that is overshadowed and primarily functions as a service thoroughfare for bins and bicycles rather than a useable amenity area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal at 36 Blessington Street, Dublin 7, involves a new two-storey, one-bed mews dwelling and the retention of 10 studio apartments within a 3-storey over semi-basement Georgian Protected Structure. The site is situated in a 'Z8' Georgian Conservation Area. While residential use is acceptable in principle, the Inspector argues that the internal subdivision of the heritage building is overly dense and lacks sufficient conservation documentation regarding surviving historic fabric. The stu...PDF Document Missing
The original decision document for this case could not be linked. This often happens for older cases or those with restricted documentation.
Search for case on ABP