Planning refused for 256 build-to-rent apartments in Loughlinstown

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a 256-unit build-to-rent apartment scheme on lands at St Laurence's College, Loughlinstown, in south county Dublin. The board pointed to the "overbearing impact" the development would have on nearby homes.

The apartment scheme – extending to eight storeys in height – planned by Green Urban Living N11 Ltd for the three-hectare site faced strong local opposition. More than 70 objections were lodged, including one from local Solidarity-People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett.

The religious order that owns St Laurence's College, the Marianists of Ireland, argued that permission for the scheme – comprised of up 105 one-bed, 145 two-bed and six three-bed apartments in four blocks – should be granted and that it was "fully supportive" of the scheme.

In a submission drawn up on behalf of the Marianists, planning consultant Kevin Hughes said "the sale of the lands to accommodate the development would secure a financial endowment to secure the long-term viability of the school".

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Refusing

In refusing planning permission, the appeals board ruled the proposal would have an overbearing impact on adjacent residential properties at Wyattville Park and would not make a positive contribution to the identity and character of the area.

It also ruled the scheme would result in a visually dominant and overbearing form of development when viewed from the public realm and would not provide the optimal design solution for the site.

The board’s decision upholds a recommendation by its own inspector in the case to refuse planning permission. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council also recommended refusal, arguing it represented excessive density due to its overall height, massing, scale, layout and unit mix. The council also said it would depreciate the value of adjacent properties.

In his objection to the scheme, Mr Boyd Barrett said the scheme’s height and density constituted overdevelopment and was not appropriate at this location.

Kildare development

In a separate strategic housing development ruling, the appeals board has granted planning permission to plans by Debussy Properties Ltd for 192 residential units at a site on the southern side of Prosperous Road, Clane, in Co Kildare. The scheme is comprised of 114 houses and 78 duplex units. The board has ordered that all houses and duplex units not be sold to a corporate entity and the sales instead be limited to individual purchasers.