Concerns about design of new older people housing in Baldoyle

The Council recently agreed to put on public display proposals for residential accomodation for older people and a medical primary care centre, both on Dublin Street, Baldoyle.  Both elements of the development are very welcome.  However, some elements of the design are worrying.  My submission in relation to the design is below, followed by the officials’ summary of the proposal.

In addition, the Pastoral Centre on the site which will be displaced by this development provides space to a range of community facilities. I will be raising the shortage of space in Baldoyle for community and voluntary groups with the Area Committee.
From: David Healy / Daithí Ó hÉalaithe [mailto:verdire@eircom.net]
Sent: 22 March 2007 15:21
To: Corporate Services; ‘Planning Department’

Subject: Comments in relation to Primary Care Centre and Residential Development, Baldoyle

A chairde,

Unfortunately, I don’t seem to have received a notice of the above going on public display.  I wish to make the following comments and would be grateful to have them forwarded to the relevant person in the Council.

Comments in relation to proposed proposed Primary Care Centre and Residential Development, Baldoyle

I very much welcome the proposed Primary Care Centre and Residential Development. I have a few questions in relation to some of the impacts the proposed design would have on neighbouring areas.

In order to give an adequate understanding of the proposal and of its impact of the proposal on neighbouring houses, the following should be provided:

  • Photomontages of views and overlooking from Turnberry.
  • Photomontages of views from Dublin St.
  • Shadow calculations for Dublin St.
  • Calculations giving basis for the carparking level proposed

 

Design changes to be considered:

  • 2 storey to North and South edges, 3 storey in centre, in order to minimise overbearing on both sides, overshadowing on North side and overlooking on South side
  • Planting/landscaping on Dublin Street frontage
  • Should Dublin Street frontage run parallel to the street instead of being stepped?
  • Colours – the proposal is for a boring cream façade with grey window frames.  Can this be made more cheerful/interesting?
  • Service road/access ramp should go down asap maximising open space etc.  A grassed road or similar could give emergency/maintenance access to rear of site and around to east

 
Is mise, le meas,

David Healy

 

Councillor David Healy
Green Party/Comhaontas Glas
Howth ward / Dublin North East
www.davidhealy.com
01 8324087
54, Páirc Éabhóra, Beann Éadair
54, Evora Park, Howth

The summary of the proposal is below.

Proposed development at Dublin Road, Baldoyle
for Cowper Care Centre.

A comprehensive range of residential accommodation for older people and a Primary Care Centre is proposed for the site at Dublin Road, Baldoyle, previously developed and operated by the Christian Brothers.

Cowper Care Centre is a registered not-for-profit organisation which currently operates 5 nursing homes in Dublin and is constructing other developments for older people, including sheltered housing.

The main new buildings form a three-storey complex of three linked blocks.

•    72 Assisted Living bedsitting rooms in 12 groups with communal facilities.
•    Entrance block with atrium incorporating communal facilities on the ground floor and 24 Independent Living apartments, 12 two-bedroom and 12 one-bedroom. on the first and second floor. 12 apartments are two-bedroom and 12 single bedrooms.
•    A series of communal gardens are provided.

The existing St. Mary’s buildings which are proposed for inclusion in the Record of ‘Protected Structures’, will be retained, renovated and converted to 4 apartments and communal accommodation. Other buildings, apart from St. Patricks, will be removed to make way for the new development.

To the rear of St Patrick’s, 14 single-storey two-bedroom houses are proposed, 12 for older people and 2 for people with severe disabilities. The residents will be supported by the facilities and services of the complex.

The main section of the existing St. Patrick’s nursing home will be converted by Cowper Care Centre to accommodate a Primary Care Centre to be leased to the HSE. The Primary Care Centre would have an extensive range of health and community services.  
The existing chapel and mortuary chapel will be retained to serve the residential development