A two inch thick 13ft high acoustic glass screen at a JD Wetherspoon bar in Dublin will result in noise levels being kept within acceptable limits, ensuring a more peaceful living environment for local residents, consultants for the pub chain claim.
Planning consultants, Brock McClure state the outdoor acoustic glass screen will allow JD Wetherspoon to reopen its outdoor courtyard at its Keaven’s Port hotel on Dublin’s Camden Street.
The beer garden will shut at 11pm and in their 31 page planning report submitted with the application, Brock McClure state that will the acoustic glass screen and other mitigation measures there “will be a reduction in noise-related disturbances, improving the overall quality of life for neighbours and preventing potential conflicts or complaints arising from excessive noise”.
They add that the proposed intervention of the glass screen “will allow for the amenity of the courtyard to be reinstated and enjoyed by hotel users and patrons again”.
JD Wetherspoon closed its beer garden at the venue in April 2022 in response to locals’ noise complaints over its operation and the beer garden has remained closed.
Brock McClure state that its closure “has been a considerable burden on the operation of the hotel and bar in economic and business terms”
Last year, JD Wetherspoon abandoned its contentious plans to erect a 43ft high sound barrier, dubbed “taller than the Berlin Wall” by one objector, after strong local opposition.
The report by Brock McClure states that closing the courtyard demonstrated the applicant’s commitment to being a good neighbour.
The report with the new application states: “However, in doing so, JD Wetherspoon have since experienced significant financial impact, as a consequence of closing their courtyard. In addition to reducing staffing numbers, our client has also had to significantly reduce customer occupancy, leading to a loss in sales and business.”
Brock McClure states that the design team have reduced the previously proposed acoustic barrier in height and have relocated its position to the centre/northern end of the courtyard, away from the existing south courtyard boundary wall.
They state that the proposed acoustic screen is 4m (13ft) in height.
The report states:” However, it extends to an overall height of 8m (26ft) above ground level, due to the screen being positioned above a partially enclosed pavilion.”
Brock McClure states that all concerns of the council have now been addressed in the redesigning of the scheme.
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