Planning precedent report

3 signs (1m metre high x 4.5 metres wide aluminium back panels with individual raised illuminated lettering) on the existing tower feature on the western elevation of The Square; 1 sign (1.2m meter high x 6.1 metres wide aluminium back panel with individual raised illuminated lettering) positioned externally on the southern elevation of The Square (south eastern corner).

Revisions to previously permitted internal modifications as approved under Ref. SD18A/0399 resulting in the reductions in the kiosk zone at Level 2 only by 196sq.m (from 1073sq.m to 877sq.m) to accommodate a new partially enclosed restaurant/café unit (196sq.m) and associated setting; the new restaurant and seating area will correspond with the footprint of the existing Units 260/262 and 263 and will contain associated facilities including a kitchen, front and rear counters, condiment unit, dining tables, chairs, booths and benches; associated signage and development works.

The development will consist of internal reconfiguration and amalgamation of 4no. existing Level 2 retail units (U238, U239, U240 and U241) to provide two retail units (U238: 516sqm and U240: 1282sqm) and ancillary circulation and general store rooms (c.274sqm) resulting in no overall increase in gross floorspace. Permission is also sought for all associated site and development works and reuse of existing signage zones.

Internal modifications/reconfiguration to the mall area and reconfiguration of existing retail units and kiosks/concessions at Levels 1-3 of the existing shopping centre; revisions/modifications are as follows on a level by level basis; (1) Level 1, reconfiguration of the existing mall floor space and existing retail/kiosk units to provide a new kiosk zone (150sq.m); revisions to circulation areas involving the removal of stairs and escalator between Level 1 and Level 2 and provision of a new travellator between Level 1 and Level 2; (2) Level 2, reconfiguration of existing mall floor space and existing retail/kiosk units to provide a new kiosk zone (1073sq.m); revisions to circulation areas involving the removal of escalators between Level 2 and Level 3; (3) Level 3 formation of a new retail unit (38sq.m) and associated mall floor space (9sq.m) in the area created by the removal of the escalator between Levels 2 and 3; the kiosk zones on Level 1 and Level 2 will be flexible in terms of layout and all individual kiosks will be subject to design parameters set out in the Planning Report. The proposed use of any new kiosks within the kiosk zones will be shops (Class 1), professional/financial services (Class 2) and food and beverage uses (including any associated seating areas). There will be no net increase in floor area for the provision of food and beverage uses within the overall centre. The revisions/modifications proposed will result in an increase of c.106sq.m. of gross floor space within the overall shopping centre arising from the various changes to the mall circulation areas and creation of floor space in areas currently void. Permission is also sought for all associated site and development works.

The development will consist of the provision of a new glazed entrance lobby (24sqm) at the existing west entrance to the Square Shopping Centre (Level 3) and all associated site and development works.

Mixed use commercial extension (9,956sq.m gross floor space) to the southern side of The Square Shopping Centre and a new public plaza and all associated site and development works including new signage; Level 1 - no changes; Level 2 - removal of southern mall entrance lobby and construction of new extension to existing Level 2 mall to include 6 retail units (2,611sq.m), a food hall/market hall area for multiple restaurant/food and beverage type uses with associated seating areas (2,041sq.m), a restaurant/cafe unit (67sq.m) and associated ancillary accommodation and circulation (1,534sq.m) and plant rooms (176sq.m) and introduction of new internal service corridor; Level 2 extension is replacing surface parking spaces (140) to the south of the shopping centre and an existing parking area (34 spaces) to the east of the proposed extension is to be reconfigured; creation of Level 3 entrance and creation of new public plaza to replace roof car park (111 spaces) and the new outdoor public plaza (0.74ha) will be used for multi-purpose events, civic and recreational uses and retail and food and beverage concessions involving temporary moveable structures erected on a seasonal basis; the creation of the new Level 3 entrance involves replacement of existing retail unit at Level 3 (Unit 307A) with mall area to include flexible kiosk type retail concession areas; 2 buildings accommodating 9 restaurant/bar units (3,324sq.m) and ancillary accommodation (175sq.m) and associated outdoor seating areas in the new plaza on south facing terraces; Level 4 - ancillary accommodation and service areas (28sq.m) on roof of 2 restaurants buildings within provision for screened plant areas and solar panels; the proposed extension has a maximum building height of 18 metres above existing ground levels; the extension is to replace and supersede the Plot B development previously permitted under Reg. Ref. SD13A/0192 (Bod Ref. PL06S.243280) which included a gross floor space of 5,684sq.m; the permitted northern extension (Plot A) remains unchanged. Permission is sought to amend Condition 3(a) of the Reg. Ref. SD13A/0132 (Bord Ref. PL06S.243280) to facilitate the construction of the proposed southern extension prior to the permitted northern extension (Plot A) subject to a phasing programme to be agreed.