2442683
Permission for development at Units 1, 2 and 3, Westpoint Business Park, Link Road, Ballincollig, Cork. The development will consist of: The partial change of use and amalgamation of the ground floor of units 1,2 and 3 of Westpoint Business Park from office-based industry/ high-tech manufacturing to a childcare facility. The proposed development includes internal and external alterations to amalgamate and re-configure the existing units, provision of associated outdoor play area, signage, internal road reconfiguration to provide 2 no. pedestrian crossings, pedestrian walkways, dropped kerbs, 2 no. drop-off parking spaces, car and cycle parking, and all associated works necessary to facilitate the development. The proposed development will be accessed via Leo Murphy Road/ Link Road, Ballincollig.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed childcare facility conflicts with the ZO9 Light Industry zoning objective and would provide a poor-quality environment for children due to its location within an active industrial/office business park.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development materially conflicts with the ZO9 zoning objective of the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, as the childcare facility is not considered appropriately subsidiary to the primary industrial uses.
- The mid-terrace location within an active business park creates significant concerns regarding pedestrian and cyclist safety and potential noise disturbance for adjoining industrial occupants.
- The proposed outdoor play area is poorly situated near delivery zones, bin storage, and extractor fans, resulting in a substandard environment that would injure the amenities of the facility's users.