An Bord Pleanála approves 700 build-to-rent apartments in Dublin

An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead for a €235 million, 590-unit build-to-rent apartment scheme for a site at Charlestown and St Margaret’s Road in north Dublin.

In a separate case, An Bord Pleanála granted planning to Ardstone Ltd for 114 build-to-rent apartments at Stocking Avenue, Woodstown, Dublin 16. Local politicians and a number of residents opposed both schemes.

The Puddenhill Property Ltd scheme south of Charlestown shopping centre is made up of four blocks from six to 10 storeys in height. Joint leader of the Social Democrats Róisín Shortall stated that she was "strongly objecting" to the scheme.

Ms Shortall told the appeals board that 234 of the scheme’s apartments would have one bedroom, meaning that 40 per cent of the homes would be small units.

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She said the scheme would produce units “at unaffordable prices, completely out of reach of ordinary workers and local people”, adding that it “would not make a positive contribution to the area and will lead to a transient population”.

The Dublin North West TD argued that “if we want people to see apartment living as a long term [prospect], in line with other European cities, apartments must be bigger”.

Appropriate density

Consultants for the proposal stated that “the scheme has been designed to maximise residential amenity while also providing an appropriate density for this strategic site”.

A planning report lodged with the proposal stated that “the proposed architectural and landscape design proposals will create a vibrant new urban neighbourhood within Charlestown”.

A proposed Part V deal with Fingal County Council has put an indicative price tag of €23.5 million on 59 units for social housing or an average cost per unit of €398,358. Talks can now begin on a final price with planning permission having been granted.

In relation to the Ardstone scheme, local Green Party TD Francis Noel Duffy objected to the proposal, arguing that it was not conducive to sustainable community development.

He contended that the density of the apartment blocks on such an elevated site would obliterate the protected view and skyline of the Dublin mountains.

However, the board gave the scheme the green light after concluding that it would constitute “an acceptable quantum and density of development in this accessible urban location”.