2660551
The development will consist of: Alterations & Amendments to residential & creche development permitted under An Coimisiún Pleanála Ref.: ABP-322670-25, consisting of the following alterations/ amendments: Alterations to Permitted Apartment Block (Block K) and environs including: 1.) the relocation of Ground Floor Level Bulky Storage Areas within the block to revised locations at the north and south of Block K including increase in Ground Floor Level footprint of Block K; 2.) the relocation of Residential Bicycle Storage areas serving Block K to a new Secure Bicycle Compound structure situated to the north-east of Block K; 3.) Construction of 1No. additional 1-Bedroom Apartment at Ground Floor Level of Block K (Amended Total of 18No. Apartments in Block K); 4.) All internal, external & elevation alterations to Block K; & 5.) All Ancillary Site Works and Services
Core Refusal Reason
The relocation of cycle storage from within the building footprint to an external surface-level structure is considered a piecemeal and substandard design approach that contravenes national guidelines and local development plan objectives.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed relocation of cycle storage to an external structure contravenes Specific Planning Policy Requirement (SPPR) 4 of the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines (2024), which requires such facilities to be within the building footprint where feasible.
- The proposal represents a piecemeal and unsatisfactory approach to cycling infrastructure that fails to provide an integrated, high-quality design solution, thereby adversely affecting the residential amenity and overall quality of the development.
- The development fails to comply with Objective DM OBJ 96 of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and Table 11.4 Cycle Parking Standards, and is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.