Victorian classic with plans of its own

Renovating and extending a protected structure can be a lengthy process, testing one’s patience with endless submissions, not to mind the need for conservation architects, structural engineers, conservation experts and site visits from local-authority conservation officers.

Planning can take years – you cannot apply for outline planning, and even minor alterations that are exempt in unprotected structures need permission, so the historical fabric of the building is not at risk. Not to mention that failure to comply can result in a two-year jail sentence and a hefty fine.

Number 66 Palmerston Road is a protected structure with full planning permission for the demolition of an extension to the rear, to be replaced by an open-plan kitchen, dining room and living room. The brief to CDP Architects was to maximise the light, taking full advantage of the southerly, easterly and westerly aspects of the property.

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66 Palmerston Road: original features

Permission to extend

Initial permission was applied for in 2009, seeking a separate two-storey mews to the rear, which was refused on the grounds that it would injure the visual amenity of the location. Finally, in September 2011, after almost two years back and forth to the planning office, permission was granted for the extension.

Also incorporated is complete refurbishment to reinstate the property’s original grandeur, including reconfiguring the original staircase, half of which was removed – as were so many, when these lovely houses were chopped up into matchbox flats.

Internal proportions are wonderful, with high ceilings and lots of space – the current footprint extends to 280sq m – with a further 122sq m in the proposed extension, to give a total area of 363sq m.

Thankfully most of the period details survived their time in flatland, to include original shuttered sash windows in the reception rooms, with marble fireplaces and pine flooring on the first and second floors.

The property currently has six bedrooms and a pokey kitchen on the return, but the new plans take full advantage of the spacious rear garden and sunny aspects.

Planning conditions require the removal of rear vehicular access from Ormond Road but allow for new off-street parking to the front.

Purchased in 2006 for a hefty €4.3 million, the property is now for sale for €1.95 million through Sherry FitzGerald. New owners can take solace in the fact that previous owners endured all the headaches associated with planning and skip straight to restoring this elegant house, permission for which expires in October 2016.