2660187
Permission for alterations to a previously granted planning permission reference number 2460590 (the change of use from an existing storage building to office/general business use, sub-division of the ground floor into individual office/general business incubator units with ancillary canteen and sanitary facilities, alterations to the existing elevations and all associated site development works) currently under construction, the alterations will comprise of alterations to the as granted ground floor area to facilitate the inclusion of access to a proposed two bedroom apartment on the first floor, with associated balcony, bin & bike store and all site development works
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to a substandard and inadequate access arrangement via a narrow, shared laneway that also serves as a smoking area for an adjacent public house, resulting in poor residential amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The shared and multifunctional nature of the narrow access laneway, which serves both vehicular traffic and a public house smoking area, is considered an inadequate and substandard arrangement for residential access.
- The proposed layout would expose future residents to unacceptable levels of noise, activity, and congregation from the adjoining public house, particularly at night, leading to a poor standard of residential amenity.
- The proposal represents an inappropriate form of backland development that fails to achieve a balance between new housing and the protection of amenity, contrary to Section 3.16.1 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027.