22/4279
Permission for retention of changes to and completion of a childcare facility (previously approved as 2 no. childcare facilities under planning reference no. 14/6533 and extended under planning reference no. 20/5483), including the following: (i) retention of elevational and fenestration changes, (ii) retention of internal layout changes, (iii) permission for change of site layout to provide additional parking spaces, pedestrian access ramps and bicycle parking and (iv) permission for amalgamation of the approved 2 no. childcare facilities to a single childcare facility.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended a grant of permission as the proposal is consistent with the 'Existing Residential' zoning, complies with the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028, and meets a demonstrated demand for childcare facilities without causing significant injury to residential amenity or traffic safety.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of a childcare facility at this location is established by the residential zoning and the planning history of the site, which originally permitted two smaller units.
- Proposed traffic management measures, including a one-way system and staggered drop-off times, are sufficient to mitigate the impacts of the intensification of use to 69 children.
- Internal spatial standards and child-to-space ratios are matters to be regulated by TUSLA rather than the planning authority, per Circular PL03/2016.