Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended granting permission on the basis that the proposed concert hall is in a suitable town centre location, is significantly reduced in scale from a previously refused application, excludes amplified bands, and incorporates robust 'box-in-box' acoustic insulation to protect the residential amenities of adjoining apartments.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is materially different from the previously refused scheme (ABP-309724-21) as it is reduced in scale, excludes the ground floor of the adjoining protected structure, and prohibits amplified band music.
- The proposed 'box-in-box' acoustic isolation and the commitment to a theatre license with a 23:00 curfew will ensure that noise levels remain within acceptable limits for neighboring residents.
- The proposal complies with the Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028 by adding to the town's cultural assets in a highly accessible location while utilizing existing parking allowances for change-of-use developments.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective WT01Objective TM40Objective TM41Objective TV55Objective AH07Objective CH01Objective CH02Section 5.10.8 (Public Houses and Nightclubs)Table 6.3 (Car Parking Standards)Section 2.6 Amenity (Volume 2)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the change of use of a 0.04-hectare retail storage site on Mallin Street, Wexford, into a 190-seat concert hall operated by Lantern Events Limited. The site is located in a narrow-street mixed-use area adjacent to a Protected Structure (a former Methodist Church) converted into apartments. While third-party appellants raised significant concerns regarding noise, property devaluation, and lack of parking, the Inspector found that the project's shift from a general music venu...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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