221070
a proposed residential care home. The development will consist of proposed 5153.6m2, 105 bedroom residential care home consisting of 2 storeys above a basement services level. New access and entrance from Dublin Road with totem signage. New landscaping. 35 parking spaces including 2no. disabled spaces and 3no. EV spaces for staff and visitors. Bicycle storage for visitors and staff. The proposal is to be contemporary in form with flat roofs, brick, white render and coloured render panels. New boundary walling, fencing and landscaping to perimeter of site. Proposed foot path, cycle path and associated markings, merges and tactile paving pedestrian to Dublin Road. Associated engineering works and site works including foul treatment and surface water treatment at corner of
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to its excessive scale, massing, and poor architectural design, which failed to respond to its prominent gateway location, alongside a lack of high-quality amenity space for residents.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed building's excessive scale, massing, and poor architectural detailing result in a negative visual impact on a prominent gateway site into Athy.
- The site layout is dominated by internal service roads and car parking, failing to provide a satisfactory design response or integrate effectively with the transitional landscape.
- The development fails to provide adequate high-quality, usable outdoor amenity space for residents, contrary to Policy OP4 of the Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 and national standards.