2561032
the demolition of two former dwelling houses and shop units and permission for the construction of a dwelling house of historic form and detail designed to restore the original street elevations, building profile and material quality, with enhancements and adaptations to include natural roof slate with heritage clay ridge tiles, lime scored plaster, historic form timber sliding sash windows with historic glass, historic form timber front entrance door and surround, hand tooled limestone cills to the street elevation, harled lime plaster and heritage form timber casement windows to the rear elevations, and heritage form cast half round gutters and round downpipes throughout, together with all associated site works
Core Refusal Reason
The unauthorized demolition of two historic buildings within the Rathkeale Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and the failure to justify the loss of significant architectural heritage.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The retention of the demolition of the two former dwelling houses and shop units is unacceptable as it has resulted in the permanent loss of historic fabric that contributed significantly to the character of Main Street, Rathkeale.
- The proposed replacement dwelling, while incorporating traditional design elements, does not sufficiently mitigate the negative impact caused by the loss of the original structures on the integrity of the Architectural Conservation Area.
- Granting permission for the retention of unauthorized demolition would undermine the statutory protection afforded to heritage assets and set an undesirable precedent for future development in the area.