COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
MOTION NO.17
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
Cathaoirleach's Business
That this Local area committee acknowledges the public anger at planning decisions made by SDCC and An Bord Pleanála in relation to our historic cultural and heritage Village , examples being of Clondalkin Convent Nursing home , the wall at Floraville Cottage , the removal of a major part of the wall on the boot road etc and while noting that councillors have no role in these decisions , we ask the SDCC planners to liase with Councillors who where democratically elected to represent there constituent's We ask for a comment report to be brought to this committee for Discussion
REPORT:
This motion relates to several planning decisions.
- SD18A/0328/ ABP-304708-19 – Presentation Sisters Order, Convent Road, Clondalkin – 155 no. bedroom nursing home. Large number of submissions received against the development, permission granted following a request for further information. First-party (developer) and third-party (objector) appeals of decision lodged. Decision to grant permission upheld by An Bord Pleanala. Recent Council motion relating to this development on (i) the dismantling and reassembly of the wall along its original boundary line and creation of a visual link between the public realm and convent lands (ii) appearance of the building is noted.
- SD20A/0233 – Floraville Cottage – Condition 13 required retention of the boundary wall, subsequently dismantled, enforcement file opened. Informal discussions with local communities aimed coming to an agreement on this matter is in train.
- SD20A/0054/ ABP-309238-21 – HSE Primary Care Centre Boot Road. 4 submissions received against development. First-party appeal (developer) in relation to financial contributions levied. Following determination an enforcement complaint was received in relation to the removal of a stone wall. Developer responded that its removal was required to implement the conditions of An Bord Pleanala’s decision for landscaping and a low-level wall. Engagement between the developer and members of the local community ensured and the stone from the original wall was gifted to the local community.
The planning application statutory process provides a facility to make submissions in relation to development proposals and also provides the applicant and anyone who has made a submission a full right of appeal on any relevant planning matter.
The Planning Authority evaluates development proposals on a case-by-case basis having regard to the context of the site, the merits of the proposals, the relevant planning policy framework and using its in-house professional experts across a range of disciplines. Most of the time the objectives of the CDP are mutually supportive of each other, there are other times when the implementation of one objective can pull and compete against another objective of the CDP. Similarly there occasions where people’s opinions differ on planning application outcomes and the merits of otherwise of developments that are granted permission. The Planning Authority will always endeavour to make balanced planning decisions that accord with the Planning Policy framework made by the elected members.
In relation to the Clondalkin area, I note the intention to develop a Local Area Plan for this historic settlement as per a recently adopted objective of the CDP. I further note that a special character/conservation appraisal of the town will form part of the plan-making process. Once the special character of the Clondalkin ACAs is described, this will allow for the development of a more bespoke planning policy framework for the area. The Local Area Plan-making process provides for the participation of the local community by way of (i) direct public consultation (ii) through its elected members reserved function in making the LAP. Some pre-draft consultation has already occurred, more is targeted for February 2024 and it is planned that the Draft LAP will go on public display in September 2024.