2560321
Permission for development for a Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) to modify a permitted (and under construction to be known as ‘Gullion Park’) Strategic Housing Development (SHD) permission (Ref: ABP-303891-19). The proposed development comprises the provision of 2 no. one bed apartment units at ground floor level of Block 1, and all associated and ancillary (internal and external) works and development in lieu and a change of use / conversion of permitted Creche.
Refused
Core Refusal Reason
The unjustified omission of a previously permitted childcare facility (creche) without adequate evidence of sufficient local capacity, lack of statutory consultation, and failure to provide a community benefit in lieu, contrary to the Louth County Development Plan.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to engage in mandatory consultation with the Louth County Childcare Committee (LCCC) to verify local capacity, rendering the Childcare Needs Demand Assessment (CNDA) insufficient.
- The submitted assessment relied on outdated capacity data from March 2023 and an incomplete catchment analysis that failed to account for the site's proximity to major employment and educational hubs.
- The proposal to replace the crèche with residential units does not include any alternative community benefit or financial contribution, which is a requirement under Policy SC36 when omitting childcare facilities.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy SC36Section 13.8.26
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought to modify a permitted Strategic Housing Development at Gullion Park, Dundalk, by converting a 122sqm permitted crèche into two one-bedroom apartments. The site is located on 'C1 Mixed Use' lands near the Inner Relief Road, adjacent to major employers and Dundalk Institute of Technology. The proposal was refused (recommended for Further Information) primarily because the removal of essential childcare infrastructure was not robustly justified. The Planning Authority cited a l...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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