Rathfarnham scheme rejected

Plans to build a six-storey apartment scheme on the banks of the River Owendoher in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 have been rejected by An Bord Pleanála.

The proposed scheme - involving the construction of 35 apartments on a green-filed site at Butterfield Avenue - prompted much local opposition.

Concerns raised by residents included the size and density of the development, loss of privacy and flood plain issues.

Located just west of the junction of Butterfield Avenue with Rathfarnham Road, the site is formed by the grassed and wooded western embankment of the River Owendoher.

Upholding Dublin City Council's decision to refuse permission to Pinemeadow Ltd, the planning board stated that the scheme would constitute overdevelopment of the site and would seriously injure the amenities of the area and of property in the vicinity.

Noting that the zoning of the area aims to protect and/or improve residential amenity and specifically to "protect and preserve trees and woodland", the board considered that the development would contravene the city development plan.

Located 1.5 metres from the river, the proposed development would give rise to an unacceptable risk of flooding, the board added. The river valley in this location, according to the inspector, "exhibits the character of an isolated generally wooded embankment, in an otherwise built up and urbanised area".

Pinemeadow Ltd - which is headed by Brian Francis and Carmel Conroy - was seeking to build three residential blocks ranging in height from three to six storeys on the site.