Core Refusal Reason
The proposed change of use from a retail/café unit to office space would diminish the mix of uses required to support a sustainable work/live environment and is contrary to the Sustainable Neighbourhood Concept.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The loss of retail/café floor area would erode the sustainability provision built into the original mixed-use development, which was specifically designed to service the needs of local workers and residents.
- There is already a sufficient supply of office space provided within the Crown Square development, and the further reduction of essential service units in favor of additional office use is not justified.
- The proposal is contrary to the '15-minute city' objective and the Sustainable Neighbourhood Concept of the Galway City Council Development Plan, as it reduces the diversity of local services and discourages sustainable travel patterns.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 3.4 - Sustainable Neighbourhood ConceptTable 3.1 – MervueChapter 6
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for the change of use of part of an existing cafe/restaurant unit to office use at Block B, Crown Square, Monivea Road, Galway. The site is situated within a major mixed-use development intended to provide a balance of residential, office, and service uses. Galway City Council refused the proposal on the grounds that the reduction in retail/service provision would undermine the sustainable work/live environment originally envisaged for the scheme. The planning ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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