Dublin City Council says souvenir shop would devalue Grafton Street properties

In refusing planning permission to Fashionflo Investments Ltd for the planning retention of the ‘Seasons of Ireland’ souvenir shop at 111 Grafton Street, the council has also concluded that the retention of the unit as a souvenir shop “will not achieve an appropriate mix and balance of uses on this part of Grafton Street, in particular, higher order comparison retail outlets, to provide for a high-quality shopping area”.

The council upheld the recommendation of its planner.

The planning report concluded that given the current mix of lower-order retail uses and comparison retail uses along this part of Grafton Street “the retention of this unit as a souvenir shop would not promote an appropriate balance of higher-order retail uses on the street and prevent an over-concentration of non-fashion or fashion-related uses”.

The report stated the applicants contended that the proposed souvenir shop will not result in an over concentration of this use.

However, the council report stated this section of Grafton Street has a number of ‘lower order’ units such as a bookmakers and a cosmetic shop where there are currently three vacant units at 109, 110 and 112-113 Grafton Street. The planning report discloses that the council last year launched planning enforcement proceedings concerning the change of use to a souvenir shop.

A planning report lodged with the application by Thornton O’Connor Town Planning argued that the proposed development represents the provision of a small, independent Irish retail brand on Dublin’s premier street, which can contribute significantly to the city by providing an offer that is not available in other cities and which identifies Dublin as a unique city.

TOC Town Planning states that the unit will be fitted out with the highest quality materials.

The planning report states that Fashionflo Investments has operated a successful souvenir shop on Grafton Street since 1996 demonstrating an established presence on the street for more than 27 years.

The report confirms that the lease ended at 34 Grafton Street resulting in the move to 111 Grafton Street where Seasons of Ireland has operated since last summer.