Developer fails to get approval to build in Citywest

An Bord Pleanála has refused permission to millionaire developer Mr Jim Mansfield to build 83 apartments near his Citywest golf and hotel complex in Saggart, west Dublin.

In a decision made just before Christmas, the board ruled that the proposed development would materially contravene the green belt zoning of the area and would be contrary to proper planning.

It said the plans would lead to greater use of local roads and pose a traffic hazard. In addition, the proposed development was faulted for failing to make adequate provision for open space.

The board's ruling comes shortly after a separate decision last month to restrict the development of Weston Aerodrome in Lucan, which Mr Mansfield bought for €12.7 million two years ago.

The board refused permission for five new hangars and associated car-parking, but did approve the demolition of existing hangars to make way for a single large replacement.

It also reduced the planning levies imposed by South Dublin county council in its initial grant of permission from over €1 million to about €70,000.

According to the board, building additional hangars as proposed would result in a "significant intensification" of the use of the aerodrome. Although the facility is in a green belt area, it ruled that the building of one new hangar, an office and clubhouse and the provision of car and aircraft parking was consistent with existing use and would not seriously injure local amenities.

However, it warned that the permission should not be construed as permitting any increase in aircraft movements at Weston above current levels, and it ruled that the area freed by the omission of the five hangars should be maintained as grassland.

Local independent councillor Mr Derek Keating welcomed the board's decision as a "major significant victory" for the local community, which has campaigned against Mr Mansfield's plans to develop the aerodrome. Mr Mansfield was on holidays yesterday and could not be contacted.

Last year, South Dublin County Council began legal proceedings saying works carried out at Weston did not have planning permission. Among the orders sought was one restraining all unauthorised development at the aerodrome. Mr Mansfield contended that the work done was exempted development.

Mr Mansfield hopes to develop an executive hub at Weston to complement his plans for a massive golf, hotel and conference centre in south-west Dublin.

Last November, work began on a €50 million, 16,000-seater convention centre at Citywest, which Mr Mansfield says is the first phase of his €800 million plan to transform the area.

He has also proposed funding and building a 5 km extension to the Luas linking Citywest to the Abbey Street-Tallaght line from the Red Cow roundabout.