2460408
Permission for development which consists of the a change of use of current apartments and dwelling house to student accommodation, (b) Elevation alterations, Minor increase in ridge level and footprint alterations to Ground, First and Second Floors, (c) construction of an external bins and bike store to the rear of the development, (d) proposed pedestrian entrance to the front boundary wall, (e) Landscaping throughout the development and all associated site works at 134 College Road, Galway City, H91 D710.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to concerns over facilitating unauthorised development, inadequate environmental assessment regarding nearby European sites, poor architectural design and visual impact in a prominent location, and traffic safety issues.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would facilitate unauthorised development on-site as the Planning Authority is not satisfied that the existing structure has the benefit of planning permission following previous refusals.
- The proposal fails to demonstrate that it will not have significant adverse effects on the Galway Bay Complex SAC and Inner Galway Bay SPA, particularly concerning construction impacts and flood risk in the absence of appropriate preventative measures.
- The design, massing, and bulk of the proposed elevations are of poor quality and would be visually discordant in a prominent location near a protected view, while the lack of a Traffic and Transport Assessment poses a potential public safety hazard.