12-storey tower appealed

AN TAISCE has appealed planning permission for a controversial development with a 12-storey tower beside the Guinness Hopstore in Dublin 8.

Last month developer Frank Flynn was granted planning permission by Dublin City Council for 81 apartments in four blocks at the corner of Bellevue Street and School Street. An Taisce says it has no objection in principle to the development of this site and recognises the need for commercial space for the Digital Hub project. However, it says the proposal fails to address An Bord Pleanála's reasons for refusal in October "in relation to tall elements, lack of provision of civic/public space and the relationship of the scheme to the surrounding area".

Part of the plan by Flynn's development company, Linham Ltd, is for a 12-storey tower on the corner of Bellevue Street and School Street. It also includes an 11-storey tower on School Street, a central nine-storey block, a six-storey block along Bellevue Street and a six-storey building parallel to School Street. The scheme will involve the demolition of St Catherine's school and part of a shed attached to the Hopstore. Retail space of 2,536sq m (27,297sq ft) and office space of 3,334sq m (35,887sq ft) will also be provided.

Last October, An Bord Pleanála rejected a similar scheme for 82 apartments, offices and retail space because the height would not respect the character of the surrounding historic residential area. At the time, it said that the scheme would have a negative impact on the residential amenity of the area, as well as its local landmark, the Guinness Hopstore.

An Taisce says the scale and proximity of the proposed block nearest to the protected structures of Thomas Court remains the same.