Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommends granting permission to omit the acoustic enclosure and reduce the number of heat pumps because independent technical evidence confirms noise levels remain within acceptable limits, and the reduction in equipment further protects neighboring residential amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The omission of the acoustic enclosure is acceptable as independent noise monitoring demonstrated that noise levels are below prescribed limits for daytime, evening, and night-time periods.
- The reduction from three heat pumps to two, particularly omitting the unit closest to the third-party appellant at No. 13 Strand Street, satisfies concerns regarding residential amenity and noise nuisance.
- The development supports Development Plan objectives for energy efficiency and climate action without setting an undesirable precedent, given the specific urban context and technical findings.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective DMS138 (Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023)Objective DMSO260 (Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029)Policy CAP9 (Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings)Policy HCAP17 (Maintenance and Energy Retrofitting)Zoning: TC - Town and District Centre
Decision Document Summary
This appeal relates to a community facility (Prosper Fingal) at 1 The Obelisk, Skerries, which was recently repurposed from a dwelling. The applicant sought to omit a condition requiring an acoustic enclosure for roof-mounted heat pumps and requested retention for installing only two units instead of the three originally permitted. Fingal County Council refused permission due to noise concerns and potential negative impacts on No. 13 Strand Street. The Inspector, however, found the Council's ass...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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