Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed six-storey development exhibits excessive height, bulk, and massing relative to its surroundings, resulting in an abrupt and visually discordant transition in scale that would injure the visual amenities of the townscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of high-density residential development on this brownfield town centre site is strongly supported by national, regional, and local compact growth policies.
- The proposed building fails to successfully moderate the perception of its bulk and massing, creating an abrupt transition from the existing low-to-medium rise commercial surroundings.
- The drainage strategy used an insufficient climate change allowance of 10% instead of the standard 20%, though the primary reason for the refusal remains the incongruous visual impact of the development's scale.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CS-O-1CS-O-4CS-P-2UB-P-5UB-P-8UB-P-12T-P-16F-P-1F-P-4Table 16.8Policy LK-TC-P-02Policy LK-TC-P-04Policy LK-TC-P-08Policy LK-TC-P-11Objective LK-H-O-1Objective LK-H-O-2Policy LK-H-P-2Policy LK-H-P-8
Decision Document Summary
The applicant seeks permission for a turnkey social housing development consisting of 30 apartments (amended from 28) in a six-storey building on a 0.287ha brownfield site at the junction of Pearse Road and Paddy Harte Road, Letterkenny. The site occupies a prominent corner bounded by the River Swilly and is located within an area characterized by low-intensity commercial sheds, showrooms, and retail parks ranging from one to four storeys. While the Planning Authority granted permission, the Ins...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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