2590
A SINGLE STOREY PLANT ROOM, 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT, SHOWER BLOCK AND AN ENSUITED FIRST FLOOR BEDROOM AND TOILET BLOCK (ALL TO THE EAST OF THE EXISTING MAIN BUILDING) INCLUDING ALL ASSOCIATED INTERNAL WORKS. THE DEVELOPMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION CONSISTS OF PERMISSION FOR A SHELTERED COVERED SINGLE STOREY LINK FROM THE MAIN BUILDING TO THE SOUTH EAST TO CONNECT TO THE COURTYARD RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PLANNING REF: 23/407. THE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING TWO STOREY EXTENSION TO THE SOUTH OF THE MAIN BUILDING AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REPLACEMENT TWO-STOREY EXTENSION CONTAINING SUPPORT ROOMS, TOILET BLOCKS, STAIRWELL, DINING AND KITCHEN TO SUPPORT EXISTING FACILITIES, A BIKE SHELTER, ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPING, INCLUDING ALL ASSOCIATED INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKS. THIS BUILDING IS WITHIN THE CURTILAGE OF A PROTECTED STRUCTURE UNDER THE RECORD OF PROTECTED STRUCTURES IN THE OFFALY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2021-2027(RPS REF. 53-327)
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed two-storey extension would negatively impact the architectural integrity, character, and setting of the protected structure (Grove House) due to its inappropriate scale, design, and location.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The extension is located in a historically open area, which would fundamentally alter the original spatial configuration and courtyard access of the protected structure.
- The scale, massing, and contemporary flat-roof design are incompatible with the existing building, creating a visual disruption that undermines its architectural symmetry and integrity.
- The development would materially contravene Policy BHP-01 of the Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027, which seeks to protect the character and setting of protected structures.