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(1) CONSTRUCTION OF AN ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: (A) PROVISION OF MAIN BUILDING A - CONSISTING OF GROUND FLOOR AND FIRST FLOOR MEZZANINE PRAYER HALL AREAS (MALE / FEMALE), A COFFEE DOCK / SANDWICH BAR AREA WITH ALL ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY SPACES (ENTRANCE LOBBIES / FOYER / CIRCULATION SPACES / STAIRWELLS / LIFT / OFFICES / MEETING ROOM / LIBRARY-TEACHING ROOM / MALE AND FEMALE TOILETS / KITCHENETTE / PLANT ROOM/STORAGE AND (B) PROVISION OF AUXILIARY BUILDING B - CONSISTING OF A MULTIPURPOSE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY AREA WITH ALL ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY SPACES (ENTRANCE FOYER, MALE/FEMALE TOILETS, KITCHENETTE, PLANT ROOM, STORAGE), (2) CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD, FOOTPATHS, CAR PARKING / BICYCLE RACK WITH ALL ASSOCIATED RETAINING STRUCTURES, SITE WORKS, LANDSCAPING, BIN ENCLOSURE AND SERVICES, (3) CONNECTION TO THE EXISTING PUBLIC SEWER, SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE AND WATER MAINS SERVICES AND (4) CARRYING OUT ALTERATIONS TO THE PUBLIC ROAD LAYOUT TO ACCOMMODATE A TRAFFIC TURN OFF LANE

Granted

Core Planning Reasoning

The proposed development is consistent with the zoning objectives for the site, integrates well with the diverse mix of surrounding land uses, and will not negatively impact residential amenity, traffic safety, or environmental quality, subject to compliance with specific planning conditions.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The principle of development is acceptable on lands zoned as an 'Opportunity Site', as the community cultural facility is compatible with the surrounding mix of commercial and residential uses and does not prejudice the delivery of other strategic land uses.
  • The proposed parking provision (66 spaces) and revised access arrangements, including a raised table junction for traffic calming, are sufficient to accommodate the expected congregational demand without creating traffic hazards or congestion on the local road network.
  • Residential amenity is protected by significant separation distances (65-75m) and the site's topography, which ensures the buildings are set below the level of neighboring houses; a condition prohibiting an external public address system for the call to prayer further mitigates noise concerns.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Donegal County Development Plan 2024-2030Policy L-O-1Policy L-P-2Objective AYH-O-1Policy AYH-P-1Policy AYH-P-3Objective CCG-O-1Policy CC-P-1Policy CC-P-2Chapter 11 (Natural, Built & Archaeological Heritage)Chapter 8 (Infrastructure)Chapter 16 (Technical Standards)Policy TS-P-1Table 16.8 (Car Parking Standards)Letterkenny Plan and Local Transport Plan 2023-2029Policy LK-DM-P-1Policy LK-DM-P-2Opportunity Site 3Policy LK-OPP-3Objective CAM-LK-O-1Objective CAM-LK-O-3Policies CAM-LK-P-1 to CAM-LK-P-8Objective LK-SCC-O-1

Decision Document Summary

The proposal involves the construction of an Islamic Cultural Centre at Lisnennan, Letterkenny, consisting of a main building with a mezzanine prayer hall and a separate auxiliary building for recreational activities. The 1.106ha site is located on zoned 'Opportunity Site 3' lands, formerly part of the UNIFI facility, and is characterized by a sloping topography that descends from north to south. Third-party appellants, residing to the north, raised significant concerns regarding traffic safety,...
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