23/4946
The demolition and removal of the former St. Joseph's National School and associated structures and construction of 18 no. residential units consisting of 2 no. 5 bed dwelling houses, 10 no. 4 bed dwelling houses, 3 no. 3 bed duplex apartments and 3 no. 2 bed simplex apartments and all associated ancillary development works including the car and bicycle parking, footpaths, lighting, drainage, landscaping and amenity areas. Vehicular and pedestrian access serving the development will be via Blind Gate Street. Pedestrian access is also facilitated via Rampart Lane.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommends a grant of permission because the proposal represents a high-quality residential development on an underutilised, brownfield site within the settlement boundary of Kinsale, which complies with the residential zoning objectives and national policy for compact urban growth without seriously injuring local amenities.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of residential development is acceptable on this underutilised site and will assist in achieving targets for residential delivery within the existing built-up area of Kinsale.
- While the proposal does not meet BRE targets for sunlight in all instances regarding No. 17 Spanish Walk, the impact is considered acceptable on balance subject to a condition requiring a further 1-meter setback for Units 13-18.
- The proposed development integrates well with the existing urban fabric, respects the character of the Architectural Conservation Area, and provides an adequate standard of amenity for future occupiers.