Gordon Deegan
Dublin City Council has categorically rejected plans for a mixed-use allocation at the former Unicorn restaurant on Merrion Row in Dublin.
In September, Aviva Life
However, the council refused to grant permission for the plans after concluding that the assignment would adjust the urban character and visual amenities of the historic city, set a precedent for developments, and devalue housing in the area.
The council rejected the assignment for those reasons, given the vital and sensitive location of a conservation area’s interior. He also concluded that the proposed new construction would be a visually intrusive and untouchable form of development.
In another explanation for the rejection, the council said the site already had permission to build 19 short-term rental apartments. He said the proposed use of the work area on the upper floors would result in the loss of potential housing for the residential sector. housing system, which means that fewer and long-term homes would be available for the growing number of people who want them.
The planning authority ruled that the allocation is contrary to the Dublin City Development Plan, which aims to promote a mixed-use land policy in the city centre, adding the provision of sustainable and high-quality residential development.
The manager of Hugo’s restaurant on Merrion Row, Gina Murphy, had opposed the project.
Murphy told the city council that mixed-use plans “would have significant negative effects on nearby businesses and venues. “
On Monday, Murphy praised the council’s refusal to plan, describing it as “a prudent and well-thought-out decision. “
She said: “The proposed progression would have particularly reduced the advertising and cultural price of the domain and prioritised other uses, such as workspace. “
He added: “In the current climate where Dublin 2 offices are abundantly empty, this proposal is incredible. This would have undermined the vibrancy and diversity of the street.
Murphy said the council’s denial not only serves the interest of preserving Merrion Row’s upscale character “but also ensures the promotion of a balanced and wealthy urban environment that benefits both businesses and the community. “
In his four-page objection, Murphy told the council that the proposed progression threatened to “cast a genuine and tangible shadow over Hugo’s dining room and patio, particularly by cutting off the natural sunlight Hugo receives. “
Murphy, who has been a staunch supporter of the restaurant industry during the Covid pandemic, said the “lingering effects” of the coronavirus had severely affected lunchtime commerce, and that any further disruption would have the potential “to jeopardize all of our businesses and shut us down. “
The project’s planning representative, John Spain, told the council that the site is well located for a “high-quality mixed-use progression project. “
Spain stated that “the 4 floors of work area offered will be an option for companies in smaller, higher quality areas in the city centre”.
He added that the task “is also aimed at revitalizing Merrion Court, which has been unwelcoming and messy lately. “
Spain said the task would introduce “high-quality detail of fashionable architecture to the site,” while the proposals would “take into account the use and amenities of neighboring houses through delicate design and layout that also ensures an environment for residents. “