Coffee shop and office plans constitute a traffic hazard

PERMISSION has been refused for the construction of a two-storey, own-door coffee shop and office development connected to the Centra at Whitechurch Shopping Centre in Rathfarnham.

The proposal is “significantly deficient in car parking and bicycle parking provision” and could constitute a traffic hazard, according to South Dublin County Council.

Damien and Peter Furey applied for planning permission for the development last May, including two own-door ground floor shops to the rear with two first floor offices above of 48.0sq.m each.

Provision of a new pedestrian footpath and all associated site works was also included in the Fureys’ planning application.

However, on January 25 last, South Dublin County Council refused permission for the development as evidence of “relevant landowner consent” for a portion of the land has not been provided.

The council referred to a ‘red line boundary’ which denotes the area that is within the ownership of the applicant.

“The applicant is proposing works essential to the consideration of the proposed development that are outside the development’s red line boundary,” stated the council.

“The applicant has not demonstrated an ability to deliver the layout alterations, EV car parking or bicycle parking indicated, providing no confirmation of ownership of these lands or a letter of consent from the relevant owner to permit their inclusion within the planning application.

“Given the proposed intensification of use at the shopping centre, adequate car and bicycle parking facilities are a crucial consideration in the determination of the application, as well as traffic safety concerns regarding the location of bin storage and bin truck access, and the requirement for a turning head as part of car parking upgrades.

“The proposed development is significantly deficient in car parking and bicycle parking provision and other transport-related provisions, were it to proceed it could constitute a traffic hazard.”