Core Refusal Reason
Loss of ground-floor commercial frontage in a primary retail area and provision of substandard residential amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The conversion of a ground-floor commercial unit to residential use on Parnell Street would undermine the retail vitality and viability of Ennis town centre.
- The proposed apartment fails to meet minimum standards for residential amenity, specifically regarding the lack of private open space and adequate natural light.
- The development is contrary to the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 and national guidelines on sustainable residential development in compact settlements.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective CDP 9.2Ennis Town Centre Primary Retail Frontage designation
Decision Document Summary
The proposal seeks to change the use of a ground-floor office at 48 Parnell Street, Ennis, into a one-bedroom apartment. Parnell Street is a key commercial thoroughfare designated as a primary retail frontage. The application was refused because the loss of commercial space would negatively impact the town centre's economic health and the proposed unit offered poor living conditions for residents due to insufficient light and a lack of private outdoor space....SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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