Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development would result in the loss of a planned childcare facility required to serve a 148-unit residential scheme, leading to an absence of essential social infrastructure and poor community integration, contrary to Fingal Development Plan Objective C10SO28 and national guidelines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The childcare facility is an integral part of the original 148-unit development and is necessary to satisfy the indicative national standard of one facility per 75 dwellings.
- Most alternative childcare facilities in the wider area are not within a convenient walking distance, meaning the loss of this facility would encourage unsustainable reliance on private cars.
- Arguments regarding the commercial viability of the crèche and the current housing shortage do not outweigh the planning requirement for integrated social infrastructure within large residential schemes.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective C10SO28Zoning RSChildcare Facilities: Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2001Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas 2009
Decision Document Summary
The applicant, Cosgrave Developments Unlimited Company, sought permission to convert a 218sqm vacant crèche facility into a 5-bedroom, 3-storey semi-detached house at 20 Bracken Park Drive, Castleknock. The site is part of a 148-unit residential scheme where half of the original crèche building had already been converted to residential use. Fingal County Council refused permission on the grounds of material contravention of the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029. The Inspector's assessment focuse...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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