2241578

The proposed development seeks to expand and consolidate an existing unauthorized office use at No. 40-41 Grand Parade into No. 42. As the applicant has not sought to regularize the status of the material change of use at No. 40-41, granting permission for its expansion is considered inappropriate and contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.

• The Inspector determined that the current office use at No. 40-41 constitutes a material change of use from its previous retail/service function which was never authorized by planning permission.
• Under Section 32 of the Planning & Development Act 2000, there is a general obligation to obtain permission for the retention of unauthorized development; expanding this use into No. 42 would facilitate the intensification of an unauthorized status.
• While the proposed elevational changes and office use are acceptable in principle under the 'City Centre' zoning, they cannot be permitted as they are inextricably linked to the consolidation of the unauthorized operation at No. 40-41.