Despite scaling down their house revamp plans, Máiréad Ronan and her husband Louis continue to face strong opposition from neighbors in Dunmore East, Co Waterford. Their revised Dermot Bannon-designed project, submitted after the original plan was rejected by An Bord Pleanala, has prompted four objections from residents concerned about the impact on the area's character and existing properties.
A revised plan by renowned architect, Dermot Bannon , to revamp and downsize a house project for broadcaster Máiréad Ronan has been met with continued local resistance. Despite seeking to address concerns raised by planners and residents, the couple, who reside in the Co Waterford tourist destination of Dunmore East , have faced a wave of opposition against their Dermot Bannon Architects-designed project.
This latest application, submitted after the initial plan was rejected by An Bord Pleanala in November 2023, marks a shift in strategy by the Ronans, with the scaled-down scheme hoping to overcome the hurdles faced previously. However, the efforts to appease local concerns have proven insufficient, as four objections have been lodged with Waterford City and County Council, doubling the number from the previous application. Neighbors, Valerie and Trevor Walsh, were instrumental in halting the original 2021 extension plan by appealing to An Bord Pleanala. Their renewed objection asserts that the proposed addition effectively creates a new house, highlighting the stark contrast between the original 60 sq. meter, two-bedroom dwelling and the new structure spanning 240 sq. meters. The Walshes argue that the development represents a significant and unacceptable intensification of the existing property. Adding to the chorus of dissent, Dunmore East resident Patrick Cregg expressed concerns about the project's impact on the terrace's unique character, fearing a disruption to the existing settings and vistas. John Battles of Dunmore East echoed this sentiment, stating that the proposal would detract from the terrace's distinctive charm and fail to harmonize with the surrounding streetscape, particularly on such a small site. Tom O’Regan, also a resident of Curraghmore Terrace, Dunmore East, who had previously objected to the 2021 scheme, reiterated his concerns about the extension's scale, arguing that it would be disproportionate to the original property and set a detrimental precedent for similar-sized dwellings. He further expressed apprehension about the potential for noise nuisance and overlooking due to a proposed first-floor terrace,arguing that it would create an imbalance compared to the amenity space of neighboring properties. The revised Bannon plan encompasses a reduced 1,778 sq ft extension, with the four proposed bedrooms situated on the ground floor, while the kitchen/dining and living areas are planned for the first floor. A first-floor roof terrace, accessible from the rear, will be screened with fencing to minimize overlooking concerns. A comprehensive 22-page planning report, prepared by David Mulcahy, accompanies the application. Mulcahy emphasizes the existing house's limited floor area, stating that expansion is crucial to accommodate a modern family home. The report highlights a reduction in the overall gross floor area from 3,108 sq ft for the previous application to 2,275 sq ft in the current proposal. Mulcahy assures that the design adjustments, marked by a less contemporary aesthetic, integrate seamlessly with the traditional context, addressing the concerns raised by An Bord Pleanala. He argues that the development aligns with the Waterford County Development Plan 2022-28 and fully addresses the reasons for the previous refusal. While the Ronans initially secured planning permission for the original proposal, the intervention of neighbors who contested the project and appealed the Council's decision to An Bord Pleanala ultimately led to the setback. The fate of the revised application remains pending, with a decision expected next month.
Dermot Bannon Máiréad Ronan Dunmore East Waterford Planning Permission House Extension Local Opposition
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