Dublin People - Starbucks keep locals sweet with planning application

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Starbucks keep locals sweet with planning application

Wednesday, 04 June 2008

Global coffee franchise giants Starbucks are set to open a new store in Dalkey but some locals are insisting that the company adapts its image to suit the heritage town.
Starbucks, who recently came into conflict with An Taisce in Blackrock over an illuminated sign, are expected to have stringent criteria placed on their Dalkey store to ensure it’s in keeping with the local historic and social character of the area.
Cllr Gene Feighery (GP) explained that the new store at 31 Castle Street, the site of the former Dalkey Dispensary, is seeking planning permission for a large exterior sign.
"Although not specifically listed as a protected structure in Schedule 2 of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Plan, the Dalkey Dispensary is a building steeped in history and located within a Designated Conservation Area (ACA)," she stated.
"By virtue of its location within an ACA, the Dalkey Dispensary has planning duties and special criteria attached to it in order to comply with architectural heritage guidelines."
Cllr Feighery was involved with An Taisce in objecting to the Starbucks application for illuminated signage at their Blackrock branch, which was to have been placed on the old post office building.
Under current regulations, shop fronts in the area should be complementary to the surrounding buildings with hand painted signs encouraged.
Councillor Feighery believed the sign would have had a serious negative impact on the character of Blackrock. The application was refused and now all signage exists within the building.
“I am confident that the same if not more stringent criteria will be placed on the Dalkey Dispensary by the planners who, by virtue of its designation as an ACA, recognise the distinct character and intrinsic qualities of Dalkey’s built form, character and layout,” she added. “Dalkey residents and business need have no worries.”
Cllr Feighery acknowledged that young students from local schools were “absolutely thrilled” with the prospect of their very own local Starbucks, while parents welcomed the idea of their children having a safe and local coffee house to meet and chat instead of hanging around on the streets.
A spokesperson for Starbucks said they intended to continue working with the authorities to ensure that any plans complied with local planning criteria.
“Starbucks Coffee Company is looking forward to opening our new coffee house on Castle Street this summer and being part of this historical seaside village,” the spokesman said.
“We believe that this Starbucks will make a positive contribution to the local area by helping to create around 20 new jobs and by providing a relaxing environment to enjoy great tasting quality coffee.”

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