4485/22
The development will consist of: (i) The demolition of an existing 1950's, 4 no. storey concrete framed vacant office building located adjacent to the southern boundary of the subject site, including associated outbuildings, walls and foothpaths and; (ii) amendments to the existing car parking area located to the north of the office building proposed for demolition, to provide for a modified car parking area and a HGV/truck parking and marshalling area. More specifically, the development will include the following: (a) a modified car parking area for staff parking including 55 no. parking spaces (including 2 no. accessible parking spaces and 6 no. electric vehicle charging spaces); and b) a parking area for HGV's and trucks comprising 15 no. parking bays, together with space for loading and unloading of vehicles and a 'Pit' Type Weigh Bridge flush with the paved surface. The proposed development will also include all ancillary works necessary to facilitate the proposed development including hard and soft landscaping, a new bicycle shelter, foothpaths, EV car charging stations and the removal of existing gates and the provision new electric sliding gates to the HGV/truck parking area.
Core Refusal Reason
The Planning Authority initially refused permission citing the building's regional architectural significance as part of the mid-20th century Cadbury factory complex; however, the Inspector recommends granting permission, arguing that the building is in a state of advanced structural decay, is not a Protected Structure, and its demolition is necessary for the site's logistical viability.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The building is in a state of advanced dereliction with significant structural integrity issues and concrete spalling, making refurbishment economically and practically unviable.
- The structure is not a Protected Structure and is not located within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), and it was notably excluded from the Record of Protected Structures in the recently adopted 2022-2028 Development Plan.
- The proposed demolition and replacement with HGV and car parking are consistent with the Z6 zoning objective and provide necessary logistical support for the industrial facility to respond to post-Brexit operational requirements.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the demolition of a vacant four-storey, concrete-framed 1950s office building at the Mondelez (Cadbury) site in Coolock to make way for a modified car parking and HGV marshalling area. Dublin City Council refused the application, claiming the building was a landmark of regional significance in the 'International Style'. The Inspector's assessment found that the building has been vacant since 2012 and is suffering from terminal neglect, including extensive water damage and f...PDF Document Missing
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