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Mixed news for Martello Tower: Controversial plans to restore the 19th Martello Tower at Bartra Cove in Dalkey, Co Dublin and build a separate residence on the grounds have prompted a mixed response from An Bord Pleanála.

Owner Helen Stephenson has been given the green light to proceed with the conservation and repair works at the Martello Tower, but the board has refused permission for any residential adaption works to the tower as well as the construction of a separate dwelling.

Noting that the tower is registered as a national monument, as well as a listed building, the board said residential adaption works and the construction of a new dwelling would "unacceptably impinge on the historic plan relationship between the tower and its surrounding space".

Owner Helen Stephenson's plans to restore and conserve the tower, as well as build an adjacent three-bedroom single-storey structure, were given approval by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council last November. This decision was appealed by the Bartra Rock Residents Committee and An Taisce. An Taisce said that the plans to build a residence adjacent to the tower would create a "severely negative, retrograde precedent for all monuments and protected structures".

Iveagh Trust gets go-ahead: The Iveagh Trust, which was founded by the Guinness family to provide housing in Dublin, has been given the all clear to build 50 apartments and houses in Dublin 8. Upholding Dublin City Council's decision, An Bord Pleanála has given approval for the development at 2-12 Donore Avenue and 40-45 Cork Street. The scheme, which was appealed to the planning board by a resident, also includes two shops and 12 car-parking spaces.

60 houses for Rathfarnham: Plans for the construction of over 60 houses on a disused hockey pitch in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 are due to be lodged with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Michael O'Grady's M & N O'Grady Developments is seeking permission to build 63 three and four-bed houses on lands formerly part of Loreto National school in Rathfarnham. The site, which is off Nutgrove Avenue, will be accessed via Stonepark Abbey.