Planning precedent report

The proposed development will consist of amalgamation (including removal of internal mezzanine areas) and change of use of Units U133ABC (former An Post) and U133D (former Bodytalk) from Post Office and Retail Use respectively (both Class 1 “shops”) to accommodate a restaurant/ takeaway unit (243sqm) for consumption of hot food on and off the premises, modifications to existing shopfront signage, new tenant sign on eastern elevation and all associated site and development works

Demolition of existing commercial building (736sq.m) and construction of a single storey cafe/restaurant (79sq.m); single storey bicycle workshop building (32sq.m); improved public realm area to include seating; bicycle parking (60 spaces) and hard and soft landscaping and all associated site and development works.

The temporary use (for the next 5 years 2025-2029 inclusive) of part of the eastern carpark lands for the erection of a temporary tent structure for use as an ice rink for a period not exceeding 3 months per year (November - January) and all associated site and development works including plant, lighting, ancillary signage and with pedestrian routes to the shopping centre and associated car parks. The proposal will result in the loss of c.48 spaces for the duration of the temporary ice rink use.

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.

Change of use 506sq.m of first floor from office to medical use; 3 ventilation grills at first floor on west elevation and one ventilation grill at first floor on south elevation.

The development consists of the change of use of the ground floor unit from retails use to cafe/patisserie shop including the sale of hot and cold beverages. The following works are proposed: (1) Internal configuring of unit including fit out of unit to facilitate development with provision of serving counter, store, W/C and seating area at ground floor level internally and externally (2) Alterations to ground floor level facade including new glazed door and window, new awning to shopfront, new signage and projecting signage to front facade. (3) All associated site works and ancillary works at this address in accordance with plans as submitted