2360218

a) the change of use of existing vacant and unfinished restaurant & retail units at ground & lower ground floor levels to 3 no. residential duplex apartments made up of 1 x 2bed & 2 x 3bed apartments all with their own private external balcony/terrace at lower ground floor level and own door entrance at street level. B) façade alterations at ground & lower ground floor front and rear elevations C) completion of lower ground floor rear terrace open /circulation area and all associated site and services works

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed conversion of ground-floor commercial units to residential use is contrary to development plan policies and zoning objectives intended to maintain a vibrant and functional commercial town core.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposal is contradictory to DMS 16.57 of the Longford County Development Plan 2021, which specifically discourages the development of apartments at ground floor street level.
  • The development is contrary to the 'Town Core' zoning objective, which aims to foster dynamic mixed-use areas and protect the special character of the town centre.
  • The loss of ground-floor commercial units would undermine the Longford County Retail Strategy's objective to provide an easily identifiable and coherent commercial core.

Cited Policies (CDP)

DMS 16.57Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027Longford County Retail Strategy

Decision Document Summary

Double Visas Investments Limited proposed the change of use of vacant ground and lower ground floor restaurant and retail units on Bridge Street, Longford, into three residential duplex apartments. Despite the site being located in the 'Town Core' where residential use is generally encouraged 'over the shop', the application was refused. The planning authority determined that ground-floor residential units are contrary to policy DMS 16.57 and the Longford County Retail Strategy, as they would er...
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Planning application 2360218, Longford County Council | Precedent.ie