Council’s ‘excessive’ planning conditions over Limerick development are challenged
LIMERICK City and County Council has been accused of being ‘excessive’ and ‘premature’ by imposing certain planning conditions on a developer who intends carrying out works in the city’s Georgian core.
While planning permission was granted in December, an appeal against two specific conditions has been lodged with An Bord Pleanála.
Ardrum Developments Ltd is seeking to make changes to the elevations of two adjoining buildings – 31 and 32 Cecil Street. The works include the removal of a non-original doorway and access steps at number 31; the replacement of all existing windows with timber sash windows and the removal of all signage from the façade of the buildings.
According to planning documents, no internal works have been proposed and Ardrum Developments has not sought permission to change the existing ‘office use’ within the buildings – one of which is a protected structure.
In the appeal, planning consultants retained by the applicant seek to have two planning conditions removed.
One of the conditions requires that “any repair works or upgrades necessary shall retain the maximum amount of surviving original / early historic fabric in situ” and that a ‘Grade 2 accredited conservation architect’ is hired to supervise the works.
The second condition requires the completion of a “time-tabled programme of conservation works, reconstruction works and restoration works” before the commencement of any works.
The appeal contends that council is only entitled to impose “reasonable conditions” regarding the proposed alterations to the windows, doors and signage and that the conditions are ‘premature’, ‘excessive’ and ‘open-ended’.
A decision on the appeal is due by May.