Islamic Centre seeks to change industrial unit on Greenhills Road to place of worship

THE Islamic Progressive Centre Ireland are seeking planning permission to change the use of an industrial unit in Greenhills to that of a place of worship.

South Dublin County Council have sought clarification on car parking spaces at the subject site, which is located at unit 23A Greenhills Industrial Estate.

According to the plans, the Islamic Progressive Centre Ireland purchased the unit in 2013 with the intention of using the unit as a community centre and place of worship, but were not aware that planning permission for change of use would be required.

They received a section 152 warning letter from SDCC in 2015 and sought to regularise the situation.

Twice in 2015 the centre lodged a retention application with SDCC for change of use from industrial to place of worship.

However, on each occasion, the application was considered invalid after no site notice was present when the site visit was carried out.

The latest inspectors report states council planners are satisfied that the site notice erected comply with the planning regulations. 

The facility is proposed to operate on Fridays between 1pm to 6pm, Sundays between 2pm to 6pm, night vigil once a month between 11am to 3am, and nightly for 29/30 nights during the month of Ramadan.

In November, SDCC sought additional information on car parking.

Council planners said the plans submitted by the centre did not enclose areas claimed for car parking “therefore the applicant has not demonstrated ownership or consent to use any car parking spaces.”

The council requested a layout indicating all car parking spaces within their ownership, letters of consent from adjoining landowners to use their car parking spaces, and clarification that the side laneway and rear yard would not be obstructed.

SDCc are due to make a decision on the application by March 7.