An Bord Pleanála has rejected a mixed-use development with a 12-storey tower in the Liberties because it says its height wouldn't respect the character of the surrounding historic residential area, reports Edel Morgan

The planning board's decision has overturned a grant of permission by Dublin City Council to Frank Flynn of Linham Ltd for a development at the junction of Bellevue and School Street adjacent to the Guinness Hopstore. The board also went against its inspector's recommendation to grant permission.

The development would have comprised around 82 apartments in three blocks rising to nine storeys with a 12-storey tower and involve the demolition of a disused primary school on School Street. It would also have comprised over 4,500sq m (48,438sq ft) of office space and 770sq m (8,288sq ft) of retail space.

The rear yard of the Hopstore building would also have been upgraded as part of the development and a footpath at Bellevue widened to create a new plaza.

An Taisce opposed the development because it said it would have a negative impact on the local landmark, the Guinness Storehouse.

In its appeal to An Bord Pleanála, An Taisce said it broadly welcomed the regeneration of the site, which is key to the Liberties/Digital Hub area, but that the proposed development would have a negative impact on the residential amenity at Thomas Court, a Residential Conservation Area, which would suffer significant overlooking and loss of evening light.

It said the glass Gravity Bar is a significant viewing platform in the city and the proposed development to the east would "unquestionably alter views from the bar, and impact on the storehouse as a city landmark".

Among its reasons for refusing permission, An Bord Pleanála said by reason of its nature and form, and "lacking public permeability", the proposed development would be out of character with the area.