Permission granted for five new apartments in Cork city centre

Permission has been granted for five apartments on Washington St, in the vacant unit formerly occupied by Flame restaurant.

Developers Chimera Ltd were granted permission by Cork City Council for developments at 38/39 Washington St, which will include minor demolition works and the construction of a new rear extension.

The vacant first, second and third floors have been granted change of use permission from former restaurant and office use to residential use, with the permission also covering internal wall alterations, and some minor elevational alterations.

Planners noted that the property is recorded on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) and is “of regional significance for its architectural interest”.

However, they added that there are no significant alterations proposed to the façade.

The planners also cited the Cork City Development Plan which states that the council will “ infill development to optimise the role that small sites in the city can play in providing new homes for Cork’s growing population”.

“Within historic parts of the city currently used as commercial urban centres there is considerable underutilisation of upper floor space.

“Bringing this space back into productive use as homes will make a valuable contribution to providing new homes, investment in historic buildings and regenerative benefits for commercial areas,” it adds.

There are 12 conditions attached to the council’s approval of the development.