Planning not required for internal works in two units in The Square

FOLLOWING an application seeking a declaration of exemption for two retail units in The Square Shopping Centre, Units120/121 and Unit 122, South Dublin County Council ruled that planning permission is not required for internal works on the site.

The applicant, Spear Aco Tappo Designated Activity Company, seeks to undertake work to two existing retail units to facilitate the amalgamation into a single retail unit, measuring 255sqm.

The units are located at Level 1 in The Square Shopping Centre, with Unit 122 currently vacant and Unit 120/121 formerly trading as Health Express Chemist.

As stated in the application cover letter, the proposed works intend to “remove and reconfigure the internal dividing walls between Unit 120/121 and Unit 122 to create a new single unit layout” while retaining the two access points from the mall.

“There is no additional floorspace proposed and the floor area of the areas affected remains unchanged.”

The Planning Department considered the definition of development within the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), which comprises “the carrying out of works on, in, over or under lands or the making of any material change in the use of any structures or other land”.

Upon review of the relevant exempted development provisions, “BMA Planning have advised the client that the proposed works would come within the scope of the general exemption for ‘minor works’ under Section 4(1)(h) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).”

Considering the proposed works do not materially affect the external appearance of the units and only require changes to the interior, the works involved in this instance are considered to be exempted development as they involve alteration works to the interior of the unit only.

Having considered the application cover letter, SDCC declared the proposed works as exempted development and do not require planning permission.

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