2450110

(1) RENOVATION AND REFURBISHMENT OF EXISTING GROUND FLOOR AREA OF EXISTING BUILDING, FORMERLY USED AS COMMERCIAL PREMISES AND LAST KNOWN USE AS "BETTING OFFICE", (2) DEMOLITION OF REAR FLAT ROOF AREA, LOWERING THE FLOOR LEVEL AND SURROUNDING GROUND LEVEL OF EXISTING GROUND FLOOR AREA OF EXISTING BUILDING, FORMERLY USED AS COMMERCIAL PREMISES AND LAST KNOWN USE AS "BETTING OFFICE", (3) ERECTION OF NEW REAR EXTENSION TO EXISTING GROUND FLOOR AREA OF EXISTING BUILDING, FORMERLY USED AS COMMERCIAL PREMISES AND LAST KNOWN USE AS "BETTING OFFICE", (4) CONVERSION OF ENTIRE GROUND FLOOR AREA OF EXISTING BUILDING, FORMERLY USED AS COMMERCIAL PREMISES AND LAST KNOWN USE AS "BETTING OFFICE", INCLUDING PROPOSED NEW REAR EXTENSION INTO NEW SIDE EXTENSION OF EXISTING CENTRAL BAR AND LOUNGE TO FORM NEW BAR, LOUNGE, KITCHEN AND ACCESSIBLE TOILET FACILITIES, (5) CONVERSION OF EXISTING GROUND FLOOR OFFICE SPACE INTO OFF LICENCE AREA, (6) CONSTRUCTION OF EXTERNAL SMOKING AREA, (7) CONNECTION TO MAIN PUBLIC SEWER AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

Granted

Core Planning Reasoning

The development is considered appropriate for its town centre location as it aligns with the 'Town Centre' zoning objective, contributes to the reduction of vacancy and dereliction, and is consistent with the character and scale of the surrounding commercial environment without negatively impacting residential amenity or traffic safety.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposed development is 'open for consideration' under the Town Centre zoning and is deemed appropriate for the site's location within Letterkenny's core area.
  • The refurbishment and expansion of the licensed premises will help reduce vacancy and enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre, consistent with local planning objectives.
  • Potential impacts regarding traffic, wastewater, and residential amenity are considered non-significant and can be managed through standard planning conditions.

Cited Policies (CDP)

County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030Letterkenny Plan and Transport Plan 2023-2029Objective LK-TC-O-01Objective LK-TC-O-02Objective LK-TC-O-05Objective LK-TC-O-07Policy LK-TC-P-01Policy LK-TC-P-02Policy LK-TC-P-03Policy LK-TC-P-04Policy LK-TC-P-08Policy LK-TC-P-09Policy LK-TC-P-13Table 7.1 Land Use Zoning MapTable 7.2 Land Use Zoning Matrix

Decision Document Summary

The application seeks permission for the renovation and refurbishment of ground floor commercial premises at Central Bar, Upper Main Street, Letterkenny, to include a bar, lounge, kitchen, and smoking area. The site consists of a 3-storey building and an adjacent 1.5-storey building. A third-party appeal was lodged citing concerns over the over-concentration of licensed premises, potential daytime inactivity, and lack of residential use. The Inspector dismissed these concerns, noting that curren...
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