An apartment development proposed for former Loreto school grounds in Foxrock, Dublin 18 has been refused planning permission by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council because it is not of "sufficiently high quality design" for this "prominent site".

Developers Mark Carroll and Barry Meagher were looking to build 26 apartments in four blocks at Pine Avenue and Springfield Park in a development to rise to five storeys.

Among the objectors to the scheme were An Taisce, Westminster Park Residents' Association, Loreto Board of Management and Springfield Park Residents' Association.

In refusing permission, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown decided that, as a result of its design, bulk,scale and layout, the proposed development would be "visually overbearing" and out of character with the location.

It also criticised the provision of open space as "inadequate" and said a proposed play area and a significant proportion of open space would be overshadowed by the adjacent school sports hall.

This is the second residential development in the area to get the thumbs down recently.

The Urban Two Ltd Partnership was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála to demolish the late 19th century Springfield House and a dormer bungalow at 4 Springfield Park and build 23 apartments in a three and four-storey building with a basement car-park containing 32 spaces.

The planning board criticised the height, massing and "overly complex and horizontal design" of this planned development.