Bord Pleanála approves scaled-down development in Milltown

An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead for a scaled-down 54-unit build-to-rent scheme in Milltown, Dublin 6.

In granting planning permission, the appeals board dismissed three separate third-party appeals against a grant of permission by Dublin City Council lodged by Richview Residents Association, Dr Paul Kelly and John Whelan, and Joanne Hanna and others.

An Bord Pleanála granted permission to Westridge Milltown Ltd despite warnings from a number of Dublin 6 residents that the planned scheme for Dunelm on Milltown Road would “attract a ghettoised population” that would contribute little to an established community.

The applicants, Westridge Milltown Ltd, lodged a first-party appeal against two conditions that reduced the number of units in the scheme from 63 to 54 units and omitting a block, Block B.

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However, the appeals board upheld the conditions.

Westridge Milltown first lodged plans for the 63-unit scheme in July 2022 and the appeals board inspector in the case, Irene McCormack, recommended that planning permission be granted for the scaled-down scheme.

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In her 76-page report, Ms McCormack said one third-party appeal raised concerns about the negative impact of the scheme on property values.

She said, however, that she was “satisfied that the scheme has sought to achieve a balance of respecting amenity whilst also facilitating higher-density residential development at this location, in accordance with national planning policy”.

Ms McCormack agreed with the council’s decision to omit Block B from the scheme, stating that the block represented overdevelopment of the site.

In relation to the scheme’s visual impact and impact on the streetscape, Ms McCormack concluded that “the proposal is of a high standard and is innovative and contemporary” and stated she was satisfied that the scheme would not represent a negative visual intrusion on the area.

Ms McCormack found the principle of a six-storey building at the location was acceptable and that the proposal assists in securing the National Planning Framework objectives of focusing development on key urban centres and delivering compact growth in them.

The planning inspector also found that the urban scale and building height proposed reflects a high standard of urban design, architectural quality and placemaking principles, and that the site has the capacity to accommodate increased building height.

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