Letterkenny residents voice emergency vehicle obstruction fears in planning appeal

by Louise Doyle

AN obstruction to emergency vehicles and fire concerns are among the grounds of appeal lodged by Letterkenny residents after planning permission was given to change the use of a domestic garage in Rosemount Terrace to residential use.

Rosemount Terrace resident Marina Carlin lodged the objection with An Bord Pleanála, with the support of numerous other residents.

Applicant Roisin Roche submitted plans to Donegal County Council in June of this year for the change of use of an existing domestic garage to residential use in Rosemount Terrace.

Proposals also included all other associated site works.

Donegal County Council granted permission for the development early last month, subject to to six conditions.

These included that the occupancy of the accommodation permitted shall be restricted to the applicant only and shall not be sold, leased or rented or otherwise conveyed or transferred.

On the cessation of use by the applicant, the structure shall be used solely for domestic purposes ancillary to the principal dwelling on site.

In her written objection to the national independent planning body in October, 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 wrote.

Ms Carlin outlined concerns for fire safety, citing there is no rear fire escape access in an emergency.

“If the fire took place in the kitchen, where research has proven most fires begin, then according to the plans submitted, the occupant would potentially have to travel through the epicentre of the fire to arrive at the only exit.

‘SUBSTANDARD BACKYARD DEVELOPMENTS’

“We have grave concerns regarding the serious or fatal consequences for the residents of nearby houses given their proximity to the garage.”

Ms Carlin further outlined 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.

“In the past, parked vehicles have obstructed emergency
services dealing with life threatening situations on the terrace.

“Understandably, we residents are concerned about our safety in the event of such an emergency occurring in the future, especially if the public right of way were to be blocked in the event of a dependent’s family member’s car being parked along the common access.

“We are of the belief that this development would be contrary to the popular planning and sustainable delivery development of the area, and could set a dangerous precedent in this area, where this could open the gates to further substandard backyard developments in Rosemount.”

A decision in the case will be made by An Bord Pleanála in March 12, 2025.

Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere