Drumcondra residents oppose 74-unit build-to-rent development for area

Drumcondra residents have hit out at what has been labelled a “brazenly outrageous” eight-storey, 74-unit build-to-rent scheme planned for the area.

Last month, Ginxo Trading Ltd lodged plans for the contentious scheme for Turnpike Lane at the rear of 59-69 Drumcondra Road Lower in Dublin 9.

A report lodged on behalf of the applicants by PMCA Architects and Planning contends that the site “represents an opportunity to transform a derelict underutilised site by creating a sustainable residential development”.

PMCA says the accommodation has been designed to meet the highest quality standards of residential accommodation for a build-to-rent apartment scheme.

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It argues that the scheme represents a major improvement for the existing neighbouring residents while providing much needed accommodation for new occupants in the city.

However, an objection lodged on behalf of a number of residents on Drumcondra Road argues that the proposal “is reminiscent of the doomed high-rise building disasters of the 1960s and incompatible with sustainable development” due to its scale, density and lack of on-site amenities.

‘Gross overdevelopment’

An Taisce has told the council that the scheme should be refused permission “as it would constitute gross overdevelopment to the rear of a terrace of protected structures and would fail to protect the amenities, setting and special interest of this terrace”.

Former environment editor at The Irish Times Frank McDonald has told the council that “in the course of more than 40 years writing about planning in Dublin, I have rarely come across a proposal as brazenly outrageous as this one”.

In her own submission, Senator Marie Sherlock of Labour said it is her hope to see, without too much further delay, sustainable, affordable housing constructed on the site.

She said: “However, I fundamentally do not accept that the build-to-rent model can provide this.”

In her own submission, Cllr Donna Cooney of the Green Party said the development would "damage the amenity value to the residents on the terrace on Drumcondra Road that back onto the proposed development".

A decision is due on the application next month.