221256
(i) alterations to the existing single storey shopping centre including the provision of a new cafe unit (130sq.m) at ground floor level with an associated outdoor seating area, fronting Straffan Road to the west; provision of a new retail unit (54sq.m) at ground floor level, located adjacent to the south-eastern site boundary; and alterations to the existing signage and elevational treatment of the existing retail/commercial units; (ii) the extension of the existing structure to provide for 24 no. build-to-rent apartments on first to third floor levels comprising: 9 no. one-bedroom units, 13 no. 2-bedroom units, and 2 no. three-bedroom units all of which will be served with private amenity space in the form of balconies/terraces. The proposed residential units will be located above the existing shopping centre and proposed commercial/retail units. Communal facilities/amenities are provided to serve the proposed residential units including a concierge office at ground floor level, a common room at first floor level and landscaped communal roof terraces at first floor level (342sq.m) and second floor level (250sq.m). The proposed development will also include: (iii) alterations to the existing surface car parking to provide for a total of 43 no. car parking spaces (including 2 no. accessible parking spaces and 1 no. go-car car-share space), a new deliveries area is also proposed to the front of the existing commercial units at ground floor level; (iv) provision of a total of 76 no. bicycle parking spaces at surface level; (v) alterations to the existing main vehicular entrance off Maynooth Park and internal road layout; (vi) provision of new footpaths and pedestrian circulation space; (vii) provision of a bicycle and bin store adjacent to the northern site boundary, with access available from Straffan Road; (viii) provision of a bin store to the rear of the proposed retail unit at ground floor level; and (ix) landscaping, boundary treatments, signage, infrastructural works, foul and surface water drainage, ESB substation, ESB room and Water Storage room and all associated site works necessary to facilitate the proposed development
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal represents overdevelopment of a constrained site that would negatively impact neighboring residential amenity through overlooking and overshadowing, provide substandard living conditions for future occupants, and create a traffic hazard due to inadequate parking and transport assessment.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The scale, massing, and proximity of the proposed three-storey extension would result in excessive overlooking and overshadowing of adjacent single-storey dwellings, failing to protect the residential amenity of the existing community.
- The internal design provides a substandard level of residential amenity for future occupants, specifically regarding the provision of six single-aspect, north-facing units with poor outlooks over a service station and rooftops.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the local transport network has sufficient capacity or that the proposed reduction in car parking would not lead to traffic congestion and hazards for vulnerable road users.