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201 Whitecliff, Whitechurch, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16

Refused

Planning application S99A/0566

Dublin - South Dublin County Council

Proposed Development

Construction of a dwelling house/granny flat with a seperate pedestrian entrance.

View the full application file on the council's planning portal →

Application Timeline

  1. Application received

    13 Aug 1999

  2. Decision: Refuse Permission

    8 Oct 1999

  3. Decision due

    11 Oct 1999

  4. Appeal submitted

    8 Nov 1999

  5. Appeal decided: Refuse Permission

    4 May 2000

Application Details

Location
201 Whitecliff, Whitechurch, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
Applicant
N/A
Application Type
Permission
Planning Authority
South Dublin County Council
Site Area
440.5 ha

Timeline

Registration Date
13 August 1999
Status
Appeal decided
Decision
Refuse Permission
Decision Date
8 October 1999
Permission Expires
5 May 2000

An Coimisiún Pleanála Appeal

Appeal Reference
06S.116884
Status
Appeal decided
Decision
Refuse Permission
Submitted
8 November 1999
Decided
4 May 2000

Location

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Planning Applications Nearby

What the council has granted and refused around this site is the best guide to how a similar application will fare.

0m
SD02A/0324Granted26 Sept 2002

End terrace 2-storey house and driveway.

201 Whitecliff, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.

27m
SD19A/0016Granted8 Apr 2019

Demolition of existing granny flat extension; construction of a new standalone 106.2sq.m two storey dwelling; creation of new vehicular driveway; all associated site works.

202, Whitecliff Estate, Whitechurch Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16

41m
SD25B/0506WGranted21 Aug 2025

The development consists of a new window, roof light and an extension to the front, and all ancillary works necessary to facilitate the development.

97, Whitecliff, Rathfarnham, Dublin, D16 R6F4

50m
ED25/0082Declared Not Exempt4 Sept 2025

The granny flat has operated as a fully self-contained residence for over 32 years, with its own front and rear entrances, divided garden, independent essential services, dedicated parking and no shared access with the main dwelling. The unit was constructed in full compliance with planning and building regulations and has remained in lawful use since it's completion. Planning Permission was granted under Decision Order P/4409/89 and building by-law approval under Order No. BBL/3630/89. No physical alterations are proposed, and the use does not materially affect the character of the area. The continued use aligns with Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and development Regulations 2001 (As amended). This application is further supported by legal precedent, including Narconon Trust v An Coimisiún Pleanála (2006) IEHC 239, which confirms that a change of use without physical works may be exempted development. The continued use also qualifies for immunity under Section 160 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, having exceeded the statutory 7-year period without enforcement. We are a retired couple now living in what was a granny flat. The granny flat obtained permission on the basis that once it ceased to be used as a granny flat that it would then become part of the main dwelling. This arrangement aligns with national housing policy objectives promoting flexible living arrangements, efficient use of existing housing stock, and support for aging in place. We no longer have use for the main house as a family home. This application seeks confirmation that the continued independent use of the granny flat constitutes exempted development. It does not involve physical separation or subdivision requiring planning permission. I respectfully request that South Dublin County Council confirm the exempted development.

94A, Whitecliff, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, D16 ET22

51m
SD17B/0338Granted5 Oct 2017

Car port conversion and single storey extension at side and rear.

99, Whitecliff, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.

73m
SD08B/0036Granted24 Jan 2008

Conversion of a carport to study, relocation of front door and provision for 2 no. windows.

101, Whitecliff, Whitechurch Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14

74m
S00B/0107Granted28 Feb 2000

Front porch and single storey extension to rear.

104 Whitecliff, Whitechurch Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.

74m
SD21B/0630Granted5 Apr 2022

Construction of a single storey extension to the side and rear; window to the front; internal reconfiguration and all ancillary works necessary to facilitate the development.

100, Whitecliff, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16

77m
SD05A/0604Granted7 Nov 2005

Two storey 4 bedroom detatched domestic house. New vehicular access and associated site works.

100, Whitecliff, Whitechurch Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16

86m
SD12B/0235Granted19 Sept 2012

Closure of door opening to the front (south) elevation and the construction of a 24 sq.m one storey extension to the side (west) and front (south) elevations.

108 Whitecliff, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.

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