COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

MOTION NO.5

MOTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

To ask the Chief Executive how SDCC keeps new leaseholders and property owners informed of the guidelines for shop facades in the Clondalkin Architectural Conservation Area? There are clearly issues with whatever approach is used as exemplified by the large 'Physiotherapy' sign at 1 Main St., Clondalkin which has been in place for years in breach of guidelines?

REPORT:

Proposed signage is currently tested against relevant CDP policy objectives regarding retail/signage and ACAs and the relevant sections in the Architectural Heritage Guidelines for Planning Authorities when a planning application is received. There are no individualised guidelines for each Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) currently, but the broader policy framework makes reference to assessing development with respect to the special character of the particular ACA. In this case planning permission was not secured for the signage in question, but I understand this signage was a replacement of earlier large format signage. An enforcement file is open in relation to the signage at these now vacant premises and a Warning Letter has been served. The Clondalkin LAP, currently at the early stages of preparation and public consultation, will include a Conservation Plan. The conservation plan will include a detailed Character Appraisal of the three designated Clondalkin ACAs. It will also include a statement of the objectives and policies in relation to the preservation of the character of the area which responds to the character appraisal. When adopted, the LAP and associated Conservation Plan will provide clear guidance to owners, prospective developers and to planners in their assessment of planning applications within and adjacent to the ACAs.