Loreto Abbey

A mixed use development to include the retention of Protected Structures. The proposal includes the construction of 317 no. apartments comprising: 270 no. two bedroom apartments; 29 no. one bedroom apartments and 18 no. two bedroom penthouse apartments. The proposed development consists of ten blocks, ranging in height as follows: Block A - two to three storeys; Block B - two to four storeys; Blocks C, D, E and K - four storeys plus penthouse; Blocks F, G, H and J - three storeys. The proposal also provides for the change of use of 'Georgian House' (Protected Structure - Ref. No. 28, List 1 South Dublin County Development Plan 1998) and neighbouring structure, from the existing institutional uses to a 102 no. bedroom nursing home (8,471 sq.m); this includes the change of use of Lower Ground Floor of the Chapel (Protected Structure - Ref. No. 28, List 1, South Dublin County Development Plan 1998) from ecclesiastical use to nursing home use (the remainder of the Chapel will not be affected by the proposed development); the change of use of the existing outbuildings to the north of the main buildings from store/workshop to 3 no. offices (107, 70 and 70 sq.m) and a creche (100 sq.m). There are five extensions proposed to the existing buildings (to accommodate the nursing home), comprising a new lobby, two no. stairwells and a lift shaft, a three storey glazed link, and a second floor glazed extension, all totalling 653 sq.m. The remaining two outbuildings (garage and store) and two prefabricated structure (two study rooms) to the northern side of the main buildings and the annex to the south-east of Georgian House, are to be demolished. Access to the residential units, the offices and creche is provided from a new access from Dispensary Lane. The existing entrance will provide access to the nursing home, and fire tender and service access is provided from an existing entrance at Convent Lane, and from Dispensary Lane. Dispensary Lane will be widened to 6m, and 7m at the junction with Grange Road. The existing boundary wall at Dispensary Lane will be demolished and rebuilt (using the salvaged stone) and a number of protected trees will be removed to allow for the widening. The proposed development also includes the provision of a total of 607 no. residential car parking spaces (all at basement level), and 33 no. surface level car parking spaces associated with the nursing home, creche an office uses; internal roadways; and all associated site development works, the provision of a boundary wall and railings, infrastructural and landscaping works, all on a site measuring 4.9 hectares (12.1 acres) approximately. An Environmental Impact Statement was also submitted with the planning application