Objections galore to Lad Lane scheme

Plans to build an 11-storey residential block at Lad Lane in Dublin 2 have prompted much criticism among local residents.

Tomorrow is the last day for objections to the development and some 10 (?) submissions regarding the scheme have been lodged with Dublin City Council to date.

Among objectors are politicians and local residents, primarily residents in the neighbouring Court Apartments.

An Taisce are also due to lodge an objection to plans by Clondean Ltd to build 139 apartments, a gym, two offices and five live-to-work units at the former OPW building and maintenance workshop.

It is expected that An Taisce will lodge an objection to the scheme on the grounds of height and over-development by tomorrow evening.

Last March, Francis Rhatigan's and Christopher Jones' Ellier Developments bought the one-acre site from the OPW for €22.5 million last March. Now, as Clondean Developments, the duo - along with Mark Sloan - are seeking to build five residential blocks ranging in height from four to 11 storeys.

Among the concerns voiced by the appellants was the height of one of the proposed residential blocks. Others said that the scheme would result in overshadowing and loss of light and sunlight.

In a letter to the city council, one resident of the Court Apartments stated that the scheme would "have the effect of dwarfing neighbouring buildings in a district characterised by a pleasing ensemble of architectural styles".

John Gormley of Green Party said that the development will have an impact on the residents of Court Apartment in terms of access to daylight and sunlight as well as overshadowing and loss of privacy.

Of particular concern to other residents who submitted objections is the density of the proposed development and ensuing traffic problems.

The design of the development is "bulky and unimaginative" according to a resident in Fitzwilliam Square.

"It is neither dramatically different enough to stand out as something special on the site nor is it sympathetic enough to blend in with the Georgian style that surrounds it," she maintained.

Dublin City Council is due to make a decision on the scheme by the end of February.