Planning precedent report

Permission for the restoration and re-use of 2 no. existing cottages at Deer Park, Howth Demesne, Howth, Co. Dublin, D13 TR62 within the grounds of Howth Castle (RPS Ref. No. 556). The proposed works will comprise new lime render finish to existing exposed stone and brickwork; repairs to existing stone finish; new stairs to access first floor levels; removal and replacement of party wall between units; existing windows and doors to be repaired or replaced; new window / door openings; existing roof to be repaired or replaced; provision of bin store and bicycle store, associated car parking, site development, drainage and landscaping works.

Protected Structures (Ref: 0556 and 0557) and within an Architectural Conservation Area. WSHI Ltd. and the Michal J Wright Group intend, in summary, to apply for planning permission to refurbish, redevelop, conserve, and change the use of part of the existing Howth Castle buildings, Stable Block and Attendant lands. The development proposed involves the demolition of some farm buildings, the refurbishment and construction of new buildings, and a change of use of part of the lower and upper ground floors of the castle and adjoining stable block and stable yard from primarily residential use to hospitality and tourist retail use. All of the reimagined, and new, areas will be under the control of a single management company which will be set up to manage the existing castle, stable areas and surrounding attendant lands. The breakdown of the overall development is as follows:- The Castle: Maintenance, refurbishment and minor conservation works as well as continuation of existing maintenance program for castle; change of use of upper ground floor of main castle building to tea rooms and reception area; conversion of rooms at lower ground floor to rest rooms, kitchens and storage areas. Provision of outdoor lift from ground to upper ground floor terrace. (There are no works or changes to all other floors of the castle other than a fire upgrade.) The Castle Stable Area: Change of use of ground floor of stables to artisan retail and café use and the construction of new rest rooms; erection of central covered pavilion for restaurant use with new kitchen area; renovation of original entrance through existing clock tower. Development also involves repairs to existing roofs and walls. The Castle Grounds (Part): Demolition of some farm buildings and retention and refurbishment of existing historical farm buildings; Reconfiguration of new entrance/ exit at 19th century gates to castle grounds; the creation of new access road to proposed new car and coach parking area and overflow car park; the creation of an assortment of recreational areas including a plant nursery, playground, picnic areas; erect temporary marquee and ancillary facilities for wedding events; pedestrianisation of areas around the Castle. Reopening and extension of existing historical cul de sac road past St. Marys Church and creation of new access road to Golf buildings which bypasses the front of the castle and links back to existing road; open pedestrian entrance from The Howth Road. Other: The overall development also involves localised landscaping, the creation of new connections to the foul sewer and provision of attenuation as per SUDs, and all site works associated with the proposed development, all on a site of 6.89 ha. all at Howth Castle, Howth Road, Howth, Co. Dublin, D13EH73. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development. AI received 21/12/22

The proposed development will consist of:

Independent Site Management Limited intend to apply for permission for a development at Block A2 - Claremont, Howth Road, Howth, Dublin 13. The proposed development will consist of the installation of 18 no. telecommunication antennas, together with 6 no. dishes, 3 no. equipment cabinets and all associated equipment on the building's rooftop. The development will provide high speed voice and broadband services for all 3 of Irelands mobile operators, namely Eircom (t/a eir), Three Ireland and Vodafone Ireland. The planning authority should please note that this is not an amendment application to the original permitted strategic housing development application submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála Reference ABP-306102-19, which has now been fully constructed. This is a wholly separate and independent application for new telecommunication infrastructure.

Permission to replace entrance lobby with a two storey pitched roof extension hipped back to ridge with monopitch dormers on each side; kitchen to rear to be extended by 1.3.m; hips to be replaced with gables and east gable to extend to roadside boundary; east and central chimney stacks to be removed and west stack to be increased in height; front and rear monopitch dormers to be replaced; roof over sunroom to be replaced with monopitch roof extending back to rear pitch with 3 roof lights and, timber leaf pattern added to all gables.

Permission for development at the ground floor anchor retail unit, Block C of the Claremont Residential Development ( Former Techrete Site, Beshoff Motors and Garden Centre). Howth Road, Howth, Co. Dublin, D13 V883. The development will consist of the provision of 1 no. illuminated Tesco sign ( c.5.5 sq.m in area) to the south elevation of the retail unit.