An Bord Pleanála approves plan for Haughey estate

Abbeville House the former residence of Charles Haughey in Kinsealy. Photograph: Pat Langan<p>

Abbeville House the former residence of Charles Haughey in Kinsealy. Photograph: Pat Langan

An Bord Pleanála has approved planning permission for a hotel complex on the estate of the late taoiseach Charles Haughey.

Last October, Fingal County Council approved a proposed development by Manor Park Homes for a 70-bedroom hotel, spa leisure centre, 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, 14 "tourist residential units" and 32 houses on the 200-acre Abbeville estate in Kinsealy, Co Dublin.

The council's decision was appealed by An Taisce, which said the scheme was "ill-conceived" because it would compromise an architectural conservation area and failed to make any provision for the future use of, and public access to, Abbeville House.

An Taisce had argued there was "huge public interest" in the treatment of Abbeville because of its recent political history and the circumstances of its acquisition by Mr Haughey and its sale in 2003 to Manor Park Homes for a reported €45 million. One of the conditions was that Mr Haughey and his wife Maureen could continue living in the house.

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However, today's decision found against An Taisce and decreed that the proposed development would "not seriously injure" the architectural, residential and environmental amenities of the designated the area, would be "acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience."

The development would also be "in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," according to An Bord Pleanála.

The board added that it had decided not to accept the Inspector's recommendation to refuse permission arguing that revised drawings and documentation submitted in August overcame the Inspector's concerns with regard to access onto the Malahide Road.

However, the Board attached - as one of its conditions - a limit to the number of houses that can be built on the site.

Last February, An Bord Pleanála approved plans by the former taoiseach's daughter, Eimear Mulhern, to build a house in the grounds.