4210/23
PERMISSION:The development will consist of the following: (i) change of use of the existing property from office to short-stay residential use through the provision of 4 no. short-stay apartment units (1 no. studio, 1 no. one-bed and 2 no. two-bed units); (ii) demolition of existing internal walls and provision of new partition walls and internal doors where required at ground, first, second and third floor levels, and provision of new kitchen and bathroom fittings to each unit; (iii) demolition of brick recessed opening to the front at third-floor level and replacement with new window opening with finish to match that as existing; (iv) alterations to rear opes at ground floor level inclusive of the removal of existing garage door and provision of 2 no. new opes to facilitate access to bin store provided at ground floor level from St. Michael's Close, and fenestration to living room, with external wall finishes to match that as existing along St. Michael's Close; (v) alterations to rear opes at first floor level including the removal of glazed screen and door and replacement with new insulated external wall and external access doors; (vi) alterations to rear opes at second floor level including the removal of 2 no. existing opes and provision of 1 no. ope to provide fenestration with finishes to match that as existing; (vii) removal of steps and guarding at first floor rear terrace and replacement with pedestal paving and glass barrier all along St. Michael's Close; (vii) alterations to northern elevation within existing courtyard inclusive of replacement of existing windows at first and second floor level with insulated masonry rendered to match existing and replacement of existing windows at first, second and third floor level with 60-minute fire rated windows; and (ix) all ancillary works, inclusive of planting to facilitate the development.
Core Refusal Reason
While the Planning Authority refused permission citing the loss of potential housing stock and conflict with the City Housing Strategy (Policy QHSN38), the Inspector recommended granting permission. The Inspector's core reasoning is that the building has an established commercial use (offices) and has never been in residential use; therefore, its conversion to short-term accommodation does not negatively impact the city's housing stock and aligns with the Z5 zoning objective.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal does not result in the loss of existing housing stock as the building has an established commercial use as offices and has no history of residential use.
- The development is consistent with the Z5 zoning objective and Policy CEE28, providing a suitable visitor accommodation use in a central location proximate to major tourist attractions.
- The proposed works would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area, would not detract from the character of the Conservation Area, and are in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Decision Document Summary
This report assesses an appeal against the refusal of permission for the change of use of a vacant 349.66 sqm office building at 4 Inns Court, Winetavern Street, Dublin 8, into four short-stay apartment units. The site is located within the medieval core of the City and a Conservation Area, zoned Z5 (City Centre). The Planning Authority refused the application based on the Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA), suggesting the site should be used for long-term residential rental. The Inspector di...PDF Document Missing
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