Iput faces opposition to Earlsfort Terrace development plans

Hibernia Real Estate and AirLease among objectors to plans to demolish Deloitte House

Iput is facing opposition to its plans to demolish Deloitte House and Garryland House on Dublin’s Earlsfort Terrace and replace the buildings with a nine-storey office block.

Hibernia Real Estate Group – the former Hibernia Reit – and aircraft leasing giant AirLease Corporation have both lodged objections against the proposed 31,577sq m office space.

A design statement lodged with the application states that the redevelopment of lands at 25 to 29 Earlsfort Terrace in Dublin 2 proposes “to greatly enhance the site and its urban setting”. Henry J Lyons are the architects for the scheme, and the design statement says the development of a contemporary, mixed-use building of exemplar design and architectural merit seeks to provide an extensive public benefit.

Manahan Planners, acting for AirLease Corporation which has its Irish HQ at 22, 22a and 23 Earlsfort Terrace along with subsidiary ALC Aircraft Ltd, called on Dublin City Council to refuse planning permission for the development.

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Consultant Tony Manahan told the council that the proposed development “cannot be judged as a ‘good neighbour’ in terms of its building form, proximity, height, bulk and is completely incongruous in the context of the terrace of protected structures”.

Mr Manahan claims the replacement building “is excessive and results in a gross overdevelopment of the site”. He also argues that “the proposal based on its size, configuration and proximity to our client’s property will be seriously injurious to the amenities of these important protected structures”.

He claims the proposed building will have an adverse impact on the streetscape and urban streetscape of Earlsfort Terrace, and has urged the council to refuse planning permission as the scheme is overscaled and would overwhelm the adjoining terrace of protected structures.

Hibernia Real Estate Group owns the nearby Hardwicke House and Montague House, and on its behalf Ian McGrandles of IMG Planning says the scheme as currently planned will have a significant and adverse impact on its two properties.

Dublin City planning officer with An Taisce, Kevin Duff has told the council that “the bulk, mass and height of the proposed development would produce significant adverse impacts on the protected structures to the south which it would immediately abut”.

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan is a contributor to The Irish Times