Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended the removal of Condition 2(a) because the first-floor side-facing window provides sufficient passive surveillance for the street, and the proposed extension's modest design and brick finish are consistent with the area's character, making the restriction on the extension's size unnecessary.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The existing first-floor window provides adequate passive surveillance to the adjacent street, meaning the retention of the ground-floor gable window is not required for safety and security purposes.
- The proposed extension integrates well with the existing dwelling through its modest height and matching brick finish, and it is not considered to be excessively prominent or out of character with the streetscape.
- There is no justifiable planning rationale to maintain the condition requiring a reduced extension size, as the proposal accords with Development Plan policies regarding the flexible adaptation and expansion of residential properties.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029 (CDP)Objective RSPolicy SPQHP41 (Residential Extensions)Objective SPOHO45 (Domestic Extensions)Section 14.10.2Section 14.10.2.2 (Side Extensions)Section 14.10.2.3 (Ground Floor Extensions)Section 14.2.4 (Safety and Security)Section 14.4.1 (Healthy Placemaking)Objective DMSO4
Decision Document Summary
The application relates to a single-storey side and rear extension and a new pedestrian side entrance at 21 Taylor Hill Crescent, Balbriggan, a corner-site semi-detached dwelling. Fingal County Council granted permission but imposed Condition 2(a), which required the extension to be set back to retain an existing ground-floor side window for 'passive surveillance.' The applicant appealed this condition under Section 139 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Inspector found that 'passive ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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