HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660155 - F.I. Received Doc. - Application - Cover Letter
Old Train Station
North Road
Monaghan
Ireland
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15th July 2026
Planning Office
1 Dublin Street,
Monaghan,
Co. Monaghan
H18 HF84
Project Ref: 26-01 Fiona O’Hanrahan and Adnan Chughtai
Panning Ref: 26/60155
Re: Response to Further Information Request in relation to Renovation and Extension at 6
Killyconigan, Monaghan, H18 YH70.
Dear Sir/ Madam,
On behalf of our clients, Fiona O’Hanrahan and Adnan Chughtai, we wish to submit a response to the Additional
Information request for development at 6 Killyconigan, Monaghan, H18 YH70. The development applied for
consisted of the renovation of an existing dwelling including a new roof structure with raised ridge level to
accommodate an upper floor, dormer windows, roof lights, single storey extension to the rear, elevational
amendments, widening of the existing vehicular entrance, landscaping and all associated site works.
Revisions to the development comprise of design changes informed by the Additional Information request and
subsequent contact with the planner reviewing the application, Mr. Brian McGeary.
Please find enclosed the following information to demonstrate compliance with the Additional Information
requirements:
- Drawings
- 01 GA 26-01 Proposed Site Plan, Plans, Elevations & Section REV.A
- 02 GA 26-01 3D Model
RECEIVED: 04/08/2026
In addition to the submission of the above documents, I wish to further elaborate on the points raised in the Further
Information request.
1. Section 15.10.1 ‘Alterations and Extensions to Dwellings’ of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-
2031 stipulates that contemporary designed dwelling extensions should not detract from the visual amenities
of the main dwelling. In this regard, the Planning Authority has the following specific design concerns with the
proposed extension;
(i) the proposed ‘vertical painted timber cladding’ as the predominant external wall finish. It is
considered that this external wall finish does not complement the main dwelling, particularly where
it is used on principal elevations (i.e. the front elevation and side/gable elevations), and is not in
keeping with the character of the surrounding area.
(ii) the scale, design and proportions of the proposed ‘dormer with metal cladding’ on the front elevation.
The proposed dormer window should be simplified to appear less dominant with a more
proportionate opening.
The applicant is requested to provide amended drawings to take account of the above and demonstrate a more
appropriate design which complements the main dwelling and is more in keeping with the established
character of the surrounding area.
The revised proposal has been comprehensively reviewed in response to the concerns raised by the Planning
Authority and the subsequent discussions with the case planner. The amended design remains contemporary
in accordance with Section 15.10.1 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031, while placing
greater emphasis on integrating the development into the established character of Killyconigan.
The revised drawings (Drawing No. 02 GA 26-01 REV.01 – Proposed Site Plan, Plans, Elevations & Section)
demonstrate a number of significant amendments which reduce the visual prominence of the proposed
extension and ensure that the existing dwelling continues to remain the dominant element when viewed from
the public road.
The principal design amendment has been the relocation of the large dormer from the front roof slope to the
rear elevation. The front elevation now presents a simple, uninterrupted pitched roof form which closely
reflects the proportions and character of neighbouring dwellings. The removal of the dormer substantially
reduces the contemporary appearance of the principal elevation while maintaining the required
accommodation internally through the introduction of modest conservation-style rooflights. The revised front
elevation is therefore considerably more restrained and respectful of the surrounding streetscape.
RECEIVED: 04/08/2026
The relocation of the front dormer to the rear roof slope required a corresponding reconfiguration of the first-
floor layout. As part of these internal amendments, the ensuite serving the second first floor bedroom has
been relocated to the eastern gable end of the dwelling. A small window is proposed to provide natural light
and ventilation to this space. The potential for overlooking has been carefully considered and is negligible
owing to the substantial difference in ground levels between the application site and the adjoining property,
together with the existing mature boundary vegetation which provides effective screening. Furthermore, the
proposed window will be fitted with obscure glazing, ensuring that the privacy and residential amenity of the
neighbouring property are fully protected.
The extent of vertical timber cladding has also been significantly reduced. Timber cladding has been removed
from the principal elevations of the dwelling and is now confined to the single-storey entrance projection only.
This allows the original dwelling to be read predominantly as a rendered building, consistent with the
surrounding residential context, while retaining a carefully considered contemporary feature which clearly
distinguishes the new intervention from the existing building.
The revised material palette adopts render as the predominant external finish, complemented by a limited
area of natural timber and standing seam metal roofing. This creates a contemporary architectural composition
without detracting from the visual amenities of the existing dwelling or the established character of the
surrounding area.
Overall, the amended design responds directly to the concerns raised by the Planning Authority and
demonstrates compliance with Section 15.10.1 of the Monaghan County Development Plan by providing a
contemporary extension and renovation which complements the existing dwelling and integrates comfortably
within the established streetscape.
View of revised house design on the streetscape
RECEIVED: 04/08/2026
Revised Front Elevation
Revised Front Elevation
RECEIVED: 04/08/2026
Revised Rear Elevation
Revised Rear Elevation
RECEIVED: 04/08/2026
2. Section 15.10.1 ‘Alterations and Extensions to Dwellings’ of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-
2031 stipulates extensions shall not have a material negative impact upon the residential amenities of adjoining
dwellings or their private open space, in terms of overlooking. In this regard, the Planning Authority would
have overlooking concerns with the proposed extensions first floor window serving the master bedroom walk-
in wardrobe area due to its position, height and the difference in levels between the application site and the
neighbouring property on adjoining lands to the west. The applicant is therefore requested to submit revised
drawings to address same and demonstrate full compliance with aforementioned Section 15.10.1 ‘Alterations
and Extensions to Dwellings’.
The revised drawings have also been amended to address the overlooking concerns associated with the first-
floor walk-in wardrobe window on the western elevation.
Following discussions with the Planning Authority, the internal arrangement of the master suite has been
redesigned. The ensuite has been relocated to the western side of the dwelling, occupying the area previously
designated as the walk-in wardrobe. As a bathroom, the first-floor window which gave rise to the overlooking
concern will now include opaque glass.
Whilst not raised as a concern, another benefit of reconfiguring the master bedroom suite has been a reduction
in the amount of glazing overlooking the private rear garden. The revised scale of the rear dormer has resulted
in a more balanced and proportionate rear elevation.
The revised design therefore eliminates any potential overlooking of the neighbouring property to the west
and fully addresses the concerns identified by the Planning Authority. Accordingly, the proposal is considered
to comply with Section 15.10.1 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031 in respect of protecting
the residential amenities and privacy of adjoining properties.
I trust the enclosed is in order, however if you require any additional information please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Mise le meas,
______________________________
Francis Moran B Arch, B Sci (Hons) (Arch), MRIAI
for Craftstudio Architecture
RECEIVED: 04/08/2026