Cork householder ordered to remove bike and bin storage box from front of home

An Bord Pleanála said the retention of the storage box, due to its scale, height and location, would result in a development “that would conflict with the existing pattern of development in the area”. 

The board said it would result in a development that would be “visually incongruous and would set an undesirable precedent in the area.” 

Cork City Council had ruled last September the storage facility in front of the dwelling constituted “visual clutter” and was a “disorderly form of development” which would have a negative visual impact on the character of the area.

The council has also opened an enforcement file in relation to the structure.

Council planners expressed concern the storage shed was highly visible and had the appearance of a shipping container which was at odds with the pattern of development in the area.

The local authority noted such structures were generally only permitted to the rear of dwellings.

The owner of a neighbouring property had also made a submission to express concern that Mr O’Regan’s application was seeking to regularise an unauthorised development which had been in place since October 2020.

In his appeal, Mr O’Regan claimed the council’s decision was contrary to its rulings in other similar cases.

The married father of three young children claimed the “bespoke” storage facility with its green roof was in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development of the area and promoted sustainable transport options.

Mr O’Regan also pointed out there was restricted access to the rear of his home with the shed used to store four wheelie bins and several bicycles, including an electric cargo bike.

“Storing bikes in an easy-to-reach secure location helps to encourage adults and children to cycle more often,” said Mr O’Regan.

He claimed there was still sufficient space in their front driveway to accommodate off-street car parking.

Mr O’Regan also argued the storage shed was modestly scaled and offered safe and secure storage, which he had installed to actually reduce visual clutter, while it was also contemporaneous with the design of a recent extension to his house.

The appellant claimed it was necessary for Cork City Council to permit and promote secure storage of bicycles within the curtilage of dwelling if it wanted to meet various commitments and targets on sustainable development.

Mr O’Regan also offered to provide additional screening of the storage facility if deemed necessary by the board.

A report by a planning inspector with An Bord Pleanála observed the storage shed was “a highly visible standalone structure” which was “visibly at odds” with the patterns of development in the area which were “highly uniform”. 

The inspector said she was also concerned the storage facility would lead to additional overspilling of private cars onto the public road which would result in the “diminishment” of road safety in the cul-de-sac.

The ruling is the latest in a series of decisions by several planning authorities which have rejected plans for bike storage facilities to the front of residential properties.

Last year, the Department of Housing said it was “exploring” planning exemption for bicycle storage at the front of houses.