Ropemaker Place

RETENTION & PERMISSION: The application relates to a development within the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock Strategic Development Zone Planning Scheme area. The development consists of modifications to the mixed-use scheme permitted under Reg. Ref. DSDZ2457/16 (the 'parent permission') and subsequently amended by Reg. Refs. DSDZ2041/17 and DSDZ3639/17. The permitted development provides for demolition of existing structures and construction of a 5-6 storey plus set back (over basement) commercial, retail and residential development (56 no. residential units) in 2 no. mixed-use blocks. Planning permission is sought for the following modifications to the permitted scheme: omission of roof level PV panels on the eastern commercial block; and increase in commercial car parking provision (from 24 no. to 26 no.) and reduction in motorbike parking (from 6 no. to 4 no.) within the shared basement (lower ground) level. Retention permission is sought for the following (as constructed) modifications: The modifications to the shared basement (lower ground) consist of:- alterations of permitted lower ground level which includes increase in overall size, modifications to the basement perimeter and revision to, and reconfiguration of, the internal structure and layout (incl. plant, cores, flood protection, waste storage, parking and office amenities); and utilisation of permitted sub-podium void space to provide increased office amenity/support floorspace and attenuation tank. The modifications to the eastern commercial block consist of:- reconfiguration of internal core arrangements at all levels; reduction in size of cafe area at ground floor; and increase in the width of glazing modules on central atrium at roof level and on external elevations at all levels. The modifications to the western (primarily residential) block consist of :- provision of increased setback to vehicular access ramp, revision to courtyard landscape arrangements (incl. minor reduction in courtyard size from 778sqm as permitted to 720sqm) and repositioning of door to commercial unit 2 on the southern elevation, all at ground floor level; introduction of ventilation plant, grille and fin on the east elevation at ground floor level resulting in reduction in size of commercial unit 2; provision of automatic opening vents at roof level; and minor revisions to glazing, opes, solid panel arrangements and facade materials at all levels on all external and internal elevations. The modifications result in an increase in the size of the lower ground level (from c.4,423sqm as permitted to c.4,589sqm); a net increase in the gross office floor area in the eastern commercial block (c.22,854sqm as permitted to c.23,577sqm) excluding the basement (lower ground level); and a net reduction in retail/non-retail floor area across both blocks (from c.1100sqm as permitted to c.1024sqm). The development also involves minor modifications to the permitted public realm, ground levels, landscaping, surface parking arrangement and to ancillary site works and services necessary to facilitate construction and operation