3014/23
PROTECTED STRUCTURE: The development comprises the demolition of existing buildings on site and the construction of a 5-no. storey (over lower ground floor level) office building with cafe at ground floor level. No works to the adjoining protected structure are proposed. The development will consist of : 1. the demolition of no. 12 Richmond Row (c. 273.5 sqm), no 34-35 Richmond Street South (c. 184.2 sqm), no. 36 Richmond Street South (c. 40.9sqm), no. 37 Richmond Street South (c. 200.5sqm) and ancillary buildings and structures (c. 48.9 sqm), all located within the subject site, 2. construction of a 5 storey over basement office building and ground floor cafe extending to c. 2,930 sqm (gross floor area), with external courtyard located to the rear of the cafe at ground floor level and roof terraces at fourth floor level, 3. primary pedestrian access shall be located along Richmond Street South with secondary access taken from Richmond Row, 4. parking for 40 bicycles, shower and changing facilities, WCs, storage, plant room, pump room and waste storage area together with c. 113 sqm of office floor space at basement level with external access to the basement located at the southern elevation, 5. two signs extending to c. 0.8 sqm and c. 1.3sqm (c. 2.1 sqm signage in total) at the entrance to the cafe and the office, ESB substation and switch room at ground floor level, green roof, PV panels, plant, ancillary infrastructure and all associated works to facilitate the proposed development.
Core Refusal Reason
While the Planning Authority refused permission, the Inspector recommended a grant of permission, concluding that the proposed demolition is justified due to the poor condition of existing structures and that the replacement five-storey building respects the character of the Architectural Conservation Area and the setting of the adjacent protected structure.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The demolition of existing buildings is acceptable as they are not protected structures, are in poor condition, and their removal facilitates the infilling of a gap in the streetscape with a higher-quality architectural design.
- The 5-storey scale and recessed upper floor design provide an appropriate transition between the varied building heights in the vicinity and do not adversely affect the setting or appreciation of the protected structure, Portobello House.
- The proposed mixed-use development aligns with the Z4 zoning objective and will not significantly impact the residential amenities of neighboring properties regarding daylight, sunlight, or overshadowing.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks permission for the demolition of several buildings at 34-37 Richmond Street South and 12 Richmond Row to facilitate the construction of a 5-storey over basement office building with a ground-floor cafe. The site is located in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and sits adjacent to Portobello House, a Protected Structure. Dublin City Council refused the application on the grounds that it would result in the loss of historic urban fabric and constitute overdevelopment t...PDF Document Missing
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