It has been called “Embassy Row” because of its proliferation of consulates. Now, Ailesbury Road in Dublin 4 is hosting a somewhat diplomatic incident after the Polish embassy was accused of altering its building without planning permission.
Marcin Nawrot, the Polish ambassador to Ireland, has been refused planning permission to alter Nos 5 and 12 Ailesbury Road in Ballsbridge on the basis that works had already been undertaken.
An Bord Pleanala has also ruled that the refurbishments the Polish embassy has in mind would have a negative impact on the two properties, both protected buildings.
In a written assessment, Patricia Young, the planning inspector for the appeals board, said during a site inspection in February she had “observed that development works had been recently carried out and were also ongoing” at No 5. On the same day she noted works were also carried out at No 12.
“I noted that the principal and western facade of the building had scaffolding in place; there was a skip to the front of the building with building materials and waste; and there appeared to be works ongoing in the roof level including but not limited to the provision of a Velux window,” Young’s report states. “I am also cognisant that the internal layout and configuration of No 12 Ailesbury Road has been much altered. On this matter, I can find no planning authorisation for such alterations.”
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However, Nawrot insists the inspector’s findings that some works at No 12 were undertaken without permission is incorrect. He said: “The Polish embassy obtained from Dublin city council an exempted development declaration for carrying out some necessary and urgent repairs on the roof, and only such works have been conducted.”
Last summer, the Polish ambassador sought permission to extend his residence, a three-storey semi-detached building, to include a one- and two-storey rear extension. He also applied to construct a three-storey building and four-storey return at No 5, the consulate office. Dublin city council refused permission for both, and he appealed against the decisions.
“The buildings at 5 and 12 have been used as offices of the Republic of Poland and as the residence of the ambassador for almost 20 years and over this time they have not undergone any renovation,” said Nawrot, who plans to lodge two new applications.
“Subsequently, gradual deterioration led to unsatisfactory and even dangerous work conditions and for the sake of care for the historical building we decided to commence major repair works. In accordance with Irish building regulations, the embassy submitted applications for planning permission in May and June 2011, and have waited one year for the final answer.”
Nawrot said that in relation to No 5, general refurbishment works were carried out “to prevent it from destruction”. He added: “We must underline that for all works we consulted our conservation officer who confirmed that they did not affect the historical part of the building.”
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Dublin city council said it had not received any complaints about unauthorised development at the properties, and has never issued enforcement orders in relation to them.