Chapter 11 I Placemaking and Managing Development
Conversion of Residential Units to Non-Residential Use
Home-Based Economic Activity
11.151 Small extensions or conversions for use as a studio, home office, childcare facility or small enterprises by the occupier of the dwelling, at a scale as would not unduly interfere with the primary use of the dwelling as a private residence or adversely affect the general residential amenity will be considered. This may apply to: 1. Conversion or subdivision of exceptionally large residential units on relatively large sites to multiple units, without a dramatic alteration in the prevailing character of the area will be considered. Part conversion will only be considered when the building is adjacent to commercial premises, adjoining major traffic routes or located on particularly large sites, where the character of the area is not adversely affected. 2. The assessment of such proposals will take into consideration the established character of the area, residential amenity, recreation and amenity space, parking, traffic considerations, etc. 3. Part conversion to commercial units will only be considered where it can be demonstrated that the proposed use serves a local need and/or is located with an established commercial area.
11.149 Home based economic activity is defined as small scale commercial activity carried out by residents of a house, being subordinate to the use of the house as a single dwelling unit and includes working from home. The home-based activity should be ancillary to the main residential use and the resident continues to reside in the house. The proposal shall not have any adverse impacts on the amenities of neighbouring dwellings. In determining applications involving working from home the planning authority will have regard to the following considerations:
1. The type of business proposed; 2. The nature and extent of the work;
3. Reason for its location (e.g. why it is not in a designated neighbourhood/district centre etc.). 4. The proposed times of operation; 5. Anticipated levels of traffic generated by the proposal, accessibility, and car-parking; 6. The effects on the amenities of the adjoining occupiers particularly in relation to hours of work, noise and general disturbance; 7. Members of the public in terms of numbers coming and going from the premises; at what times; car-parking; traffic / noise generated from visiting members of the public; 8. Whether the proposal requires deliveries to be received and how this will be managed; 9. Arrangements for storage and collection of waste. 11.150 A temporary permission may be granted to enable the planning authority to monitor the impact of the development in the area. Furthermore, thereafter, a condition may be applied requiring that the unit be returned to residential use on the cessation of the business in question.
Conversion of Existing Houses to Flat Accommodation
11.152 Houses suitable for family accommodation may not be subdivided and converted to flats. Notwithstanding same, the subdivision of housing above business premises, housing on key transport routes and certain large houses may be permitted in some instances provided: 1. The minimum size of the unit is above standards outlined in this Plan (apart from historic buildings where flexibility maybe applicable); 2. Apartments are self-contained (apart from in exceptional circumstances with regard to historic buildings);
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Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 I Volume 1
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