Makeover for former health centre to include coffee shop and funeral home
By Maurice Garvey
DUBLIN City Council has granted permission for a mixed-use development at the former health centre on Ballyfermot Road.
Last October, Staffords Funeral Homes lodged development plans with Dublin City Council for the former health centre – including proposals for a mixed-use facility comprising “coffee shop, florist, and community-cultural-funeral services.”
The plans were lodged by Lemford Ltd – whose current directors are members of the Stafford family, and whose principal activity is listed as funeral and related activities.
The 1.04 acres site was sold in 2014 for in excess of €825,000, and contains three detached buildings, including the former health centre (561.7sq.m.), a childcare facility (226.3sq.m.) and a child psychology building (364.6sq.m.).
The Echo understands Staffords plan to lease out the adjoining building beside the proposed funeral home, for use as a medical centre.
Lean Pharmacy Limited submitted a separate planning application in February, containing proposals for a medical centre (154sq.m.), with three consulting rooms, and pharmacy, along with internal and external alterations.
Dublin City Council have yet to make a decision on the Lean Pharmacy planning application.
Staffords plans for the mixed-use facility, contain proposals for the construction of a single-storey flat-roofed rear infill extension (296sq.m.), with six roof lights and internal/external alterations.
The front façade of the building is in line for a refurbishment, comprising a featured main entrance, own-door coffee shop and florist, provision of 22 on-site car-parking spaces and associated site works.
Dublin City Council planners state the indicated areas as community/ cultural/ funeral services, shall not be used as a retail unit/shop/café/restaurant without a prior grant of permission.
According to plans, uses “shall exclude (though not exclusively) a place of worship.”
The developer will pay €15,763 to the planning authority for public infrastructure and facilities.
A number of local businesses objected to the plans citing concerns for local trade, and fears for the impact on traffic flow at the site on Ballyfermot Road.
