2460112
Calmont Ventures Limited seek permission for development, located at Donacarney House (Protected Structure No. LA PRS ID: 90730, NIAH Ref. 14318001) and Little Mornington Stables (NIAH Ref. 14318002), located in the townlands of Donacarney Little & Mornington, Donacarney Little, Mornington Co. Meath. The proposed development consists of a change of use from existing residential to proposed nursing home. The proposed development will consist of the demolition of the existing single-bay two-storey addition and a single storey pedimented extension to the west (112.2m²) and demolition of the existing Little Mornington Stables (c. 300m²) to the east, as well as the removal of existing terrace located to the rear (north) of the existing Donacarney House. The proposed development consists of the construction of a two storey nursing home to the side and rear of the existing Donacarney House, with a combined, total gross floor area of 5,300m², accommodating (i) 83 no. single bedrooms with ensuite, (ii) dayrooms, activity rooms and multi-function spaces, (iii) cleaning facility rooms, (iv) associated resident’s welfare facilities / treatment / therapy rooms, (v) administration areas and staff facilities, (vi) associated dining area, kitchen, plant and services, and (vii) courtyard gardens and a garden shed. Vehicular access to the development will be via an existing, (to be upgraded) access from the Church Road / Mornington Avenue (R150) / the Lawn Road. The proposed development also provides for surface car parking, bicycle parking spaces, bin storage, ESB substation and switch room, hard & soft landscaping, boundary treatments, vehicular and pedestrian site access, and all associated site development works, including service connections, public lighting, foul and surface water drainage / attenuation, and water supply / storage, all on a site area of 1.58Ha.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to the negative impact of its scale and massing on the setting of the protected structure (Donacarney House) and the unacceptable demolition of the associated historic stables and outbuildings.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The scale and massing of the proposed nursing home would be overbearing and would negatively impact the character and special interest of the protected structure, Donacarney House.
- The demolition of the existing stables and outbuildings (NIAH Ref. 14318002) would result in an irreversible loss of heritage assets that are integral to the property's original establishment.
- The proposal materially contravenes policies HER POL 14, HER POL 15, and HER POL 16 of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 regarding the protection and conservation of architectural heritage.