Plans to expand Dunnes Stores restaurant in Cork City appealed by Opera Lane resident

Residents in nearby Opera Lane apartments said the development would have a 'material adverse impact' on amenity and privacy

Dunnes Stores got the green light last month for a change of use of its external terrace on the third floor of its building on 105-107 Saint Patrick’s Street from general amenity space to ancillary seating associated with its existing restaurant.

Recently approved plans by Dunnes Stores to expand its restaurant on the third floor of its St Patrick’s Street store in Cork City have been appealed to the planning commission by a third party.

Better Value Unlimited Company got the green light from Cork City Council last month for a change of use of its external terrace on the third floor of its building on 105-107 Saint Patrick’s Street from general amenity space to ancillary seating associated with its existing restaurant.

The plans also included an overhead, an extendable canopy and timber screening, along with associated site development works.

However, the plans now lie with An Coimisiún Pleanála following an appeal by a neighbour living in the adjacent Opera Lane apartments. 

In his submission to the city council, the resident said the development would have a “material adverse impact” on residential amenity, privacy and quality of life for residents of Opera Lane apartments.

The objector also noted the development would have a disproportionate impact on people with disabilities and set a “damaging precedent,” claiming the development began before securing planning permission.

The development received three objections in total at the council level from residents living in the Opera Lane apartments. 

The planning commission is set to decide on the case by August 31, 2026.

Meanwhile, the development of a new café on the outskirts of Cork city centre has also been appealed to the planning commission by a third party.

CC and H Imperial Ltd received planning permission to convert a vacant commercial unit at 53, Gerlad Griffin Street in Blackpool from a former barbershop to a café, along with the construction of a third storey to the building.

However, the fate of the proposed café now lies with the planning commission, following an objection by a local resident who raised issues with potentially reduced footpath space if outdoor seating is allowed, along with concerns about foods high in sugars and fats being sold in an area near several schools.

The planning commission is due to decide on the plans by August 27, 2026.