3377/23
PROTECTED STRUCTURE: The development will consist of the demolition of the existing two-storey retreat building (gross floor area 702sqm), and the redevelopment of car parking areas no. 2 and 3 at the northern boundary of the site and the construction of a new two storey hospice extension with lower ground, including a link bridge to the existing hospice, to facilitate the provision of 24 no. bed in patient units in lieu of the existing 19 no. shared room facilities (the development to comprise the provision of a new building entrance area with chapel; a day care area including therapy areas; children's play rooms; clinical stores; treatment rooms, outpatient area, family rooms; nurses rooms; kitchens, a mortuary ; laundry services area, changing rooms in-patient unit administration area and offices and associated signage); landscaping works (including the removal and replacement of trees) and the provision of landscaped gardens; 4 no. motorbike spaces; 38 no. cycle parking spaces (including 2 no. cargo bike spaces); surface and lower level car parking (increasing from 59 no. existing (including 4 no. accessible spaces) to 75 no. (including 9 no. accessible spaces) with 4 no. including electric charging points); and additional site works, including electric charging points); and additional site works, including a new northern boundary wall to the adjoining Capuchin Friary lands. As a result to the development, the gross floor area will increase from 5,474 sqm to 8,662sqm (following the demolition of 702sqm in the retreat building).
Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development is consistent with the Z15 zoning objective to protect and provide for community uses and social infrastructure. The Inspector determined that the extension provides essential healthcare facilities, is acceptable in terms of scale and height for a transitional zonal area, and will not negatively impact residential amenities or the setting of nearby protected structures.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The demolition of the existing retreat building is justified as it lacks architectural significance and cannot be adequately retrofitted to meet modern HIQA palliative care standards.
- The proposed scale, massing, and height (maximum three storeys) are compatible with the surrounding residential context and the Z15 zoning, with plot ratio and site coverage well below indicative maximums.
- Residential amenity impacts, including potential overlooking and noise from heat pumps, can be appropriately managed through planning conditions such as obscure glazing and boundary-level noise limits.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the demolition of a two-storey retreat building and the construction of a part two/part three-storey extension to St. Francis Hospice in Raheny, Dublin. The development aims to provide 24 modern patient bedrooms to replace 19 existing shared beds, alongside ancillary services like a chapel and therapy areas. The site is a 1.57-hectare campus containing Walmer Villa (a Protected Structure) and is located in a 'Transitional Zonal Area' adjacent to residential developments at ...PDF Document Missing
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