ABP overturn objections to approve primary health centre
By Maurice Garvey
AN BORD Pleanala have overturned objections to a proposed primary healthcare clinic in Clondalkin Village.
UHPC Ltd are seeking permission to change the use of the vacant Steeple House from office use, to use as a primary healthcare clinic.
Planning approved for primary healthcare clinic at Thornfield Square
South Dublin County Council granted permission for the planning application in October 2018, and three third party objections were subsequently lodged with ABP by local residents.
The Board also overturned one of their Inspector’s recommendations to refuse permission based on a lack of adequate parking provision - the subject site sharing access arrangement and car parking with Thornfield Square residential development.
The Board agreed with the council’s planning authority that the issues raised around access and parking can be adequately addressed by subject conditions contained in the granting of planning permission.
Main issues raised in the appeals relate to car parking and traffic congestion in Clondalkin.
The Board noted the location of the “proposed use in a town centre is appropriate”, it is “accessible by public transport and for a sizeable residential population within walking distance.”
The Board believe the clinic would not have an adverse impact on traffic patterns in Clondalkin town centre.
The planning report associated with the applicant notes that the proposal forms part of the new primary care centre for the HSE, which includes a new approved centre on Boot Road Clondalkin.
The Board considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions, the proposed development would be acceptable in principal, and have no adverse impact on the visual amenities of the area.
The development will include 19 consultation rooms, 22 offices, three clinic rooms, two administration/receptions, four large group rooms and associated ancillary uses.
The change of use does not involve any additional floor area. Total existing floor area of the building involved is 1,878 square metres.
The development is accessed from Ninth Lock Road and shares the basement car park with Thornfield Square.
The proposal provides for 68 car parking spaces, including two disabled access spaces, and 20 new bicycle parking spaces.
