23/6560
Permission for the construction of a four storey apartment building providing 26 no. apartment units and all ancillary site works. The proposed apartment building will provide 3 no. 3 bedroom apartments, 7 no. 2 bedroom apartments and 16 no. no. 1 bedroom apartment units with ancillary communal rooftop terrace, car parking, bicycle parking and bin stores. The proposed development provides for the demolition of an existing shed structure and includes the realignment/reconfiguration of the existing pedestrian/cycle route on Johnstown Close to the south to facilitate access. The site was formerly within Ashbourne garden and is considered to be within the curtilage and attendant grounds of Ashbourne House which is a protected structure (Ref 00498)
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to the loss of high-value ecological woodland and heritage trees, significant adverse impacts on the setting of a Protected Structure, and the creation of a traffic hazard for pedestrians and cyclists.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The removal of established woodland and heritage trees would result in a net loss of biodiversity and materially contravene ecological objectives of the Cork County Development Plan 2022.
- The development would negatively impact the cultural heritage and character of Ashbourne House (RPS 00498) by removing trees of significant value within its curtilage.
- The proposed access arrangements would create conflict between vehicular traffic and vulnerable road users, endangering public safety on existing pedestrian and cycle routes.