Plan to build apartments over Credit Union office in Wicklow
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council has received a planning application from Core Credit Union Limited to develop a mixed-use development at Church Road in Greystones.
The application seeks permission to keep an active Credit Union in use at the ground floor level, with the change of use of the upper floors to provide three residential apartments, together with associated internal alterations, minor demolition works, elevational modifications, and all ancillary site development works.
The proposed development at Church Road is in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework, the Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and the Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028, particularly in respect of compact growth, town centre consolidation, sustainable transport and the promotion of living-over-the-shop development.
The subject site is in a highly accessible, sustainable area, well served by public transport and close to a wide range of amenities, making it particularly suitable for compact mixed-use development and residential intensification in accordance with national and local planning policy.
Proposed works include keeping the ground-floor Credit Union (146.5 m²) with a new shopfront, ATM, signage, and security shutter with the provision of a separate residential access to the rear.
The application also asks for the change of use at the lower first-floor level to one two-bedroom apartment (64m²) and a second one-bedroom apartment (56m²). There would also be a change of use at the second-floor level to a one-bedroom apartment (56m²).
Demolition of the existing rear lift shaft would also take place alongside the provision of private balcony space, bin storage, bicycle parking and plant areas. Roof lights, minor elevational alterations and all associated site works are also included.
According to the planning report the proposal will “enhance the vitality of Greystones town centre, contribute to housing supply in a highly accessible location, and support an important community-based financial institution”.
The report also contends the proposed Credit Union use at the ground floor level, together with homes above, fully accords with the zoning objective of the site. No recent planning permissions restrict the proposed internal reconfiguration or the change of use of the upper floors to residential accommodation.
Greystones and District Credit Union is a local, community based not-for-profit financial institution which has been serving the community since 1969.
The local authority are due to issue their ruling on February 23.