ABP turn down plans for 72 homes in Firhouse

By Maurice Garvey

AN BORD Pleanála (ABP) have upheld a decision by South Dublin County Council to refuse plans for a residential development of 72 homes at Mount Carmel Park in Firhouse.

The site is located on land owned by the Carmelite Monastery, and plans were submitted by Fitzwilliam Real Estate in which developer Noel Smyth is a director.

The applicants proposed 72 units, comprising of 30 houses and 42 apartments.

In their appeal to ABP, Fitzwilliam Real estates stated the proposed scheme will “provide an appropriate form of residential development for this substantial residential zoned site.”

In making their decision, the Board considered that the proposal provided for an “excessive amount of apartments”, and that the design of the proposed apartment buildings is “inharmonious.”

They also stated the location of two main apartment blocks at the northern end of the scheme failed to integrate with the remainder of the development.

The Board considered the proposal would seriously injure the residential amenities of residents of the proposed development and of properties in the vicinity, and would not be in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

A number of objections were lodged by local residents, citing concerns for potential flooding and impact on parking in the area.

A submission by Mount Carmel Park residents stated they thought it an “ill-conceived plan” which could “overwhelm” the estate.

Reasons for the refusal of permission by the council included a need for a “major redesign” of the proposed development due to the “non-compliance” of the proposal with urban design criteria, the negative impact on bio-diversity and the potential for the rise of “sub-standard” levels of residential amenity for future residents.