by Louise Doyle
AN Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission granted by Donegal County Council for a development in Letterkenny which had prompted emergency vehicle obstruction concerns.
The appeal was lodged by Rosemount Terrace resident, Marina Carlin against the decision made on October 3, 2024 by Donegal County Council to grant permission, subject to conditions, to Roisin Roche.
Ms Roche had sought permission for the change of use of an existing domestic garage to residential use along with all other associated site works, at her property in Rosemount Terrace.
In her written objection to An Bord Pleanála, Ms Carlin cited dwelling design concerns.
“We contend that the proposed development as it currently stands, is a substandard building to serve as a dwelling – one which is not of safe design.
“It has not been constructed or designed in the interests of the safety of the dependant who would be potentially living there.
“According to the submitted planning drawings of the garage, the stairs have only 13 risers and will be steep for any person who will be living in the converted space,” she had written.
Ms Carlin had outlined concerns for fire safety, citing there is no rear fire escape access in an emergency.
She had further indicated that congestion and parking on Rosemount Terrace has already reached critical levels, as evidenced by the observations put forward by all nine residents to Donegal County Council Planning Department.
Refusing permission this week, An Bord Pleanála said that the proposed change of use of the subject premises would have a “detrimental impact” and be “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.
“The Board considered that the proposed change of use of the subject premises would have a seriously detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring residential properties due to insufficient separation distances between opposing windows, in contravention of Specific Planning Policy Requirement (SPPR) 1 of the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) (Separation Distances), would be substandard in terms of private open space provision for the occupant(s) of the proposed residential unit, in contravention of SPPR 2 of the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) (Minimum Open Space Standards for Houses) and would, therefore, be contrary to he proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
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