3984/23

RETENTION: PROTECTED STRUCTURE: The development consists of the retention 3 no. signs located at the Northumberland Road boundary of the site as follows: 2 no. double sided, free-standing pressed metal panels black in colour with illuminated text cut outs (Sign no. 1 is 3.08m in height and Sign no. 2 is 2.24m in height.) Sign no. 3 (single-sided) consists of an illuminated perspex menu sign and is attached to the front railing along Northumberland Road. All 3 no. signs have been erected on site to demarcate the existence of The Schoolhouse Hotel at this location and replace pre-existing signs.

Split decision

Core Reason for the Refused Part

The Inspector recommended granting retention permission for all three signs, concluding that their form, scale, and design are appropriate for the site's context as a Protected Structure and within a Z2 zoning area, provided that Sign No. 3 (the menu board) is not internally illuminated.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The freestanding signs (Signs 1 and 2) are well-designed replacements for previously permitted signage and do not detract from the Z2 zoning objective or the architectural character of the Protected Structure.
  • The menu board (Sign 3) is considered visually distracting and detrimental to the setting of the Protected Structure specifically due to its illuminated nature; however, this can be mitigated by a condition requiring it to be non-illuminated.
  • The development as a whole, subject to conditions, is consistent with the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 and would not negatively impact residential amenity or result in significant visual clutter.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Zoning Objective Z2Chapter 7 (Objective CCUV45) - Advertisement StructuresChapter 11 (Policy BHA2) - Protected StructuresChapter 11 (Policy BHA9) - Conservation AreasAppendix 17 - Section 1.0 (Advertising and Signage)Appendix 17 - Section 3.0 (Illuminated Signs)Appendix 17 - Section 8.0 (Advertising Development Management Standards)

Decision Document Summary

This report relates to a first-party appeal against a split decision by Dublin City Council regarding the retention of three illuminated signs at The Schoolhouse Hotel, Ballsbridge—a Protected Structure. The Planning Authority had granted permission for Sign No. 1 but refused Signs 2 and 3, citing concerns over visual clutter and impact on the Z2 'Residential Neighbourhoods (Conservation Areas)' zoning. The Inspector found that the signage effectively replaces previous permitted structures and s...
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