Ballsbridge residents try to halt 64-unit build-to-rent scheme

Residents are seeking to halt plans for a 64-unit build-to-rent apartment scheme for Clyde Lane, which runs behind Herbert Park in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Last month, Dublin City Council granted planning permission to Pembroke Partnership for the scheme at St Mary's Home, Pembroke Park and 28A Clyde Lane despite strong local opposition, including from the Herbert Park Residents Association.

Seven separate appeals have now been lodged by local residents to An Bord Pleanála against the grant of permission for the scheme – which will include 41 one-bedroom apartments, 19 studios and four two-bedroom apartments.

The appeals have been lodged by Dr Barbara Rafferty, Noeleen Kenny, Eugene and Joan Swaine, Olive Moran and Philip Dunne, Dermot Gleeson, Caitríona Ní Chuív and Michael Wall.

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Mr Wall lodged an objection on behalf of the Upper Leeson Street Area Residents Association when the application was before the council.

The scheme involves the repurposing of St Mary’s Home, a nursing home, to contain 23 units and the construction of three new buildings that will provide a combined 41 apartments.

St Mary’s is a nursing home catering for up to 31 women.

‘Positive contribution’

Planning consultant for the scheme, John Spain, said the proposal "will deliver a high quality build to rent apartment scheme . . . and make a positive contribution to the urban environment in this residential conservation area".

Labour TD Ivana Bacik and party colleague Cllr Dermot Lacey raised concerns over the scheme when it was before the council.

Ms Bacik said the proposed development “appears to be entirely developer led and without consideration for the need for the long-term accommodation needs of the area”.

Dr Rafferty claimed it is an “inappropriate concept” for the site and will “negatively affect the residential conservation area and the property values of the immediate neighbouring homes”.

Speaking in support of the proposal when it was before the council, Ann Sheppard, the former principal and then chief executive of St Conleth's College, which is adjacent to the site, said it "represents a context sensitive, considered design . . . to minimise the impact on the school in terms of overlooking and light access".