Watch this Space

Keeping an eye on planning:

Sandymount offices appealed

• Planning permission granted to Merinda Developments by Dublin City Council to build a five-storey office extension over basement car park to the existing three-storey building, Merrion Hall on Strand Road in Sandymount, has had six appeals by local residents as well as a business, Hvc Properties Ltd. All of the appellants either live or are based on Ailesbury Mews and Strand Road. Their concerns varied from overshadowing, height and scale in a residential area - the extension would add 8,766 sq m (94,356 sq ft) to the existing building - and the traffic implications of a big office scheme. Another ground for appeal was inadequate parking provision for the scheme.

Asia market seeks expansion

• Business must be good at the Asia market on 18 Drury Street and part of south city markets as it is looking to expand and revamp its premises. In its application to Dublin City Council it seeks an extension at first floor level to contain new stores and staff changing rooms. The proposal also includes the rearrangement of stores, the retail area, the food preparation area and involves the insertion of a new lift. If the planning application is approved, it will also get a new shop front.

Waiting for Sandford Lodge decision

• Frenchwood Ltd, the developers of the controversial business and office development on the grounds of the former National College of Ireland in Ranelagh, Dublin 6 is awaiting a decision by Dublin City Council on its planning application for a change of use of the listed Sandford Lodge from educational to office use.

It also proposed a residential scheme and gives the planning authority "two alternative options", either 106 apartments or 130, both allocating 20 per cent of units as social and affordable housing.

Earlier this year An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant permission for a science and technology park on the site caused a furore among parents at Sandford Parish National school who complained of traffic problems in the area. Frenchwood, controlled by Capel Developments, bought the site in 1999 for around €16 million.