Modification of plans refused to change retail units into apartments
A MODIFICATION to a planning application that sought to convert permitted retail units on Main Street in Saggart village into apartments has been refused permission.
The subject site is at the junction of Main Street and Boherboy Road and is the location of the approved development of 29 apartments.
Part of the development included ground floor retail units in two of the apartment blocks, however developer Smart 7 Management Ventures Limited lodged an application seeking to modify this last year.
Instead, the applicant wanted to replace the proposed retail units with four two-bedroom apartments, while permission was also sought for the change of use of a vacant two-storey pub on the site into an office on the ground floor and an apartment on the first floor.
The proposal caused disquiet in the community, with Lynn Tierney from the Saggart Village Residents’ Association previously telling The Echo about her concerns.
“While supporting housing opportunities, I am recommending that the retail and business spaces outlined in the existing planning application are retained on the ground floor of the two Main Street buildings,” she said.
“I welcomed the commencement of building works on the site which will deliver 29 new homes on a site which has been vacant for almost a decade.
“However, the proposed adaption to the plans raises concerns about potential loss of community vibrancy.
“We need to preserve the village’s character and consider the long-term impact on the village streetscape and residents’ social and economic well-being.”
On February 26, South Dublin County Council decided to refuse planning permission for the modification.
“Overall, the proposed change of use of the ground floors of Block C and D, from retail/office/commercial use to residential use at such a pivotal location would have a negative impact on the character and setting of Saggart,” stated the council.
“The proposed change of use would also have a detrimental commercial affect on the viability and vitality of the growing village.”
