2251769

(1) DEMOLITION PART OF THE EXISTING LOUNGE AREA (2) CONSTRUCTION OF A LOUNGE AREA AND PROVIDE FOR APARTMENT ABOVE (3) REFURBISHEMENT OF EXISTING APARTMENT ABOVE THE BAR AREA AND PROVIDE FOR AN EXTENSION TO THE REAR OF THE EXISTING BUILDING TO INCLUDE A NEW STAIRCASE TO SERVE THE OLD AND NEW APARTMENTS AND ALL OTHER ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS INCLUDING CONNECTION TO EXISTING SERVICES

Granted

Core Planning Reasoning

The proposed development represents overdevelopment of a constrained site, resulting in substandard residential accommodation for future occupants and causing significant overbearing impacts and loss of sunlight to an adjacent private courtyard.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposed apartments fail to meet the 'Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments (2022)' regarding minimum room sizes, storage provision, and natural daylighting.
  • The two-storey height and site coverage along the eastern boundary of the adjacent private courtyard would be overbearing and cause an unacceptable reduction in sunlight to the neighboring property.
  • The modern extension fails to integrate visually with the existing pub frontage, which has been significantly altered with inappropriate timber panels and columns, thereby harming the character of a designated 'Historic Town' and Area of High Scenic Amenity.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Policy UB-P-10Policy UB-P-12Policy UB-P-29Policy BH-P-6Policy BH-P-8Policy BH-P-9Policy BH-P-10Policy N-HP-7Policy TV-P-4Policy TV-P-6Table 2A.3 (Layer 3 settlement)

Decision Document Summary

The proposal involves the demolition of part of the existing Mary Macs Bar in Rathmullan, Co. Donegal, to construct a modern two-storey extension that includes a rebuilt lounge at ground floor and two apartments at first floor (one new and one refurbished/extended). The site is located in a prominent position within an 'Historic Town' and a designated Area of High Scenic Amenity. While the Planning Authority granted permission, the Inspector identifies critical failures in the design. Key argume...
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