Newbrook House will be ‘restored to former glory’ says developer
A DEVELOPER has been requested to provide a substantial amount of additional information for an application which includes the incorporation of a protected structure with a 111-bedroom nursing home.
The applicant, Luxcare Limited, filed the planning application with South Dublin County Council seeking permission for the proposed development on the site of a former builders merchants on Taylor’s Lane in Ballyboden.
In a design statement included with the application, the developer stated that the existing Newbrook House, a protected structure, will be “restored to its former glory” and “carefully integrated into the overall design” of the nursing home.
However, the planning authority has requested a Method Statement detailing the level of repair, conservation and new elements of the proposed works.
These details are “required to ensure the sensitive reuse of the Protected Structure as part of the proposed care home”.
It is proposed to replace the original windows of Newbrook House – this has been deemed as “unacceptable” by the council.
All original architectural features are to be repaired and only if deemed necessary, justified replacement of features can only be replaced “like with like”.
Also, details of the proposed glazed link between Newbrook House and the proposed new care home building are to be provided.
Full details and specifications of how the glazed link will be inserted and required works to the original built fabric of Newbrook House – to ensure proper safeguarding of the protected structure – have been requested.
The local planning authority believes that not enough detail has been provided in relation to the glazed link and a new glazed entrance to Newbrook House.
Newbrook House dates back as far as the mid-18th century, when it formed part of Newbrook Mill – a paper mill.
According to the application, the paper mill and manufacturing businesses was started by John Mansergh, who died in 1763.
Newbrook Mill was extensively damaged by a fire in 1942 and it was later demolished.
In the intervening years, the overall site was used as a builder’s merchant with Newbrook House vacant for several years.
If the plans get the go-ahead, the plan is to retain key features of Newbrook House and ensure that it is “restored to its former glory”.
The roads department of the council “has serious reservations about traffic safety” on Taylors Lane due to the provision of two entrances and recommended the omission of one.
It appears that a hair salon, function suite and cinema would be open to the public should the application get the go-ahead according to the council.
Although, with these facilities only accessible internally within the nursing home, the planning authority has requested clarification around this accessibility and if it actually is open to the public.
The ownership of the subject site has been queried and the applicant is requested to submit further information about the existing buildings on site and any potential demolition works.
South Dublin County Council Water Services have requested further information on seven grounds while the Roads Department is seeking six pieces of additional information.
The proposed development consists of a 3-4 storey nursing home building with 111-bedrooms complete with ensuites.
Five new three-storey dwellings, or “town houses”, with associated parking, landscaping and services are also included in the application.
Formation of a new vehicular and pedestrian access point off Taylor’s Lane with the provision of 18 car-parking spaces, which include two accessible and two electric vehicle spots, are among the plans.
There is also provision of 24 short- and long-stay cycle-parking spaces.
It has been requested that the number of parking spaces be increased to a total of 35 and a revised layout be supplied showing covered bicycle parking spaces.
The project is expected to generate permanent employment for 100 full- and part-time care staff at the nursing home – as well as construction jobs.
