Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed use of an upstairs room as a sessional Montessori class constitutes a material change of use from a community centre to a childcare facility, which is development and does not fall within any class of exempted development under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The use is considered a material change of use because the nature and scale of the Montessori service generates concentrated traffic movements and noise patterns distinct from the intermittent usage of a community centre.
- The proposal does not qualify as exempted development under Article 10(1) of the Regulations as it is a change between different use classes (Class 10 to Class 8) rather than a change within a single class.
- The Inspector determined that the sessional service is a commercial activity that is not ordinarily incidental or ancillary to the primary permitted use of the building as a community centre.
Cited Policies (CDP)
South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028Zoning Objective 'Open Space' (OS)Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities (June 2001)
Decision Document Summary
The referral involves a dispute over whether the use of a room at Perrystown Community Centre for a Montessori class (22 children, 09:30-12:30 daily) requires planning permission. The site is located in a residential area of Dublin 12 and is zoned 'Open Space' (OS). The referrer argued that the centre is already a multi-purpose facility and no physical works are required. However, the Inspector concluded that the proposal is a material change of use due to the specific planning impacts associate...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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