2342162

Permission for development which will consist of (i) the partial demolition of the existing ruined building in the south west corner of the site; (ii) The construction of 2 no. apartment blocks ranging in height from 5 to 6 storeys containing 44 no. apartment units comprised of 1 no. studio apartment, 9 no. 1-bed apartments, 29 no. 2-bed apartments, and 5 no. 3 bed apartments all served by open space in the form of balconies and/or ground floor terraces; (iii) The construction of 4 no. 3 storey 4 bed mews houses; (iv) the development will be accessed via a new vehicular entrance off Ashton Park. The proposal includes improvement works on the junction between Ashton Park and Blackrock Road and includes the provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing on Blackrock Road to the north and an uncontrolled crossing on Ashton Park to the west as part of enabling infrastructure as well as the re-instatement of the existing historical public lane (Ashton Avenue) from Blackrock Road running west of no. 1 Ashton Place, which will be used as a pedestrian and cycle access into the development. The proposed development provides for outdoor amenity areas (including podium level amenity space), landscaping, car parking, bicycle parking, bin stores, ESB substation, public lighting, roof mounted solar panels, signage, and all ancillary site development works.

Granted

Core Planning Reasoning

The development was recommended for grant of permission as it represents an appropriate intensification of a serviced urban infill site in accordance with the ZO 1 'Sustainable Residential Neighbourhoods' zoning, provided that building height is reduced to 5 storeys to respect the character of the Blackrock Road Architectural Conservation Area.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The principle of residential development is acceptable on this infill site, which is zoned for sustainable residential neighborhoods and is located near high-frequency public transport.
  • A reduction in height for the eastern apartment block from 6 to 5 storeys is essential to comply with the development plan's target height of 3-5 storeys for the Ballintemple and Blackrock area and to protect the character of the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA).
  • The proposed density, unit mix, and residential amenities are considered appropriate for the site context, and concerns regarding traffic safety and sightlines have been mitigated by proposed junction improvement works.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Objective 2.31Objective 3.4Objective 3.5Objective 4.3Objective 4.5Objective 6.22Objective 8.22Objective 8.23Objective 8.24Section 11.27Section 11.28Section 11.32Table 11.1Section 11.45Section 11.72Table 11.2Table 11.8Objective 11.2Zoning Objective ZO 1

Decision Document Summary

The proposal consists of 48 residential units (44 apartments across two blocks and 4 mews houses) on a 0.766ha site at the junction of Blackrock Road and Ashton Park, Cork. The site context is sensitive, featuring two NIAH-listed dwellings (No.'s 1 and 2 Ashton Place) and a location within the Blackrock Road Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). The Inspector's assessment focused heavily on the visual impact of the 6-storey block, ultimately siding with the Planning Authority that the top floor...
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