2561030

For amendment to previously permitted development Reg. Ref 20/108 (ABP-309929-21), to remove the basement level, create a new podium level and incorporate a new lower ground floor and penthouse level to provide 10 no. additional apartments. The principal amendments to the permitted development comprise: Omission of basement level and provision of a new podium level, incorporating landscaped open space, resulting in the creation of lower ground floor level access via a ramp at the same location as the permitted basement ramp; Provision of 10 no. additional apartments (2 no. one-bed and 8 no. two-bed units) as a result of the new lower ground floor level and the provision of a part penthouse level to permitted Blocks A and B; Consequential increase in the height of permitted Blocks A and B from 5 no. storeys over basement to 6 no. storeys, part 7 no. storey (presenting as 5 no. part 6 no. storeys over podium level) and all associated elevational amendments; Reduction in the total quantum of car parking from 50 no. spaces permitted to 35 no. spaces now proposed at lower ground level and the associated increase in bicycle parking from 126 no. spaces permitted to 151 no. spaces now proposed at lower ground and podium level; and All associated and ancillary landscape, services infrastructure, site and development works associated with the proposed amendments. The proposed amendments will result in the total number of residential units increasing from 49 no. previously permitted to 59 no. now proposed, comprising of 14 no. one-bed, 41 no. two-bed and 4 no. three-bed units. The footprint of Blocks A and B and the layouts of the permitted apartments and childcare facility are unchanged from the permitted development Reg. Ref. 20/108 (ABP-309929-21)

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed development represents overdevelopment of the site, characterized by excessive height and scale, inadequate car parking provision, and a lack of functional open space, resulting in substandard residential amenity and a negative impact on the character of the area.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The increased height and scale of the blocks are considered overbearing and out of character with the established scale of adjoining development, materially contravening the 'Existing Residential/Infill' zoning objective.
  • The reduction in car parking spaces from 50 to 35, despite an increase in residential units, is deficient in management strategy and fails to provide adequate supporting infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • The proposal fails to provide sufficient functional open space and results in a substandard level of residential amenity due to inadequate natural light and security concerns for the lower ground floor apartments.

Cited Policies (CDP)

CS O5Chapter 15Zoning Objective BStrategic Objective 9S1S4S5S6S9S10HC1HC1.4HC2HC2.1HC2.2

Decision Document Summary

Avoca Homes Ltd. proposed amendments to a previously permitted residential scheme on a 0.362 ha site north of Louisa Park Station Road, Leixlip, Co. Kildare. The proposal sought to replace a basement level with a lower ground floor and add a penthouse level, increasing the total number of apartments from 49 to 59 while reducing car parking from 50 to 35 spaces. Kildare County Council refused permission, concluding that the increased height and scale would be overbearing and out of character with...
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