25/4094

The proposal to demolish an existing habitable dwelling and outbuilding without satisfactory justification is contrary to national and local climate change objectives that promote the circular economy, sustainable reuse, and refurbishment of existing buildings in the first instance, as set out in Section 15.12.23 of the Cork County Development Plan and National Policy Objective 67.

• The existing dwelling is considered habitable despite its poor condition, and the applicant has failed to provide a structural report or life cycle assessment to justify demolition over refurbishment or extension.
• While the proposed contemporary design is of high architectural quality and successfully integrates into the High Value Landscape without compromising the skyline or residential amenity, it fundamentally conflicts with recent sustainability policy shifts.
• The demolition and replacement approach is inconsistent with the hierarchy of the National Planning Framework and the Climate Action Plan, which prioritize the retention of existing building stock to minimize carbon expenditure and waste.