ABP upholds decision to refuse apartments on college grounds

AN APPEAL to An Bord Pleanála over a proposed development of 364 build to rent units on land at Terenure College, has been refused.

Developers behind plans to construct a seven-storey, 364-unit build to rent apartment scheme on former playing pitches at the Fortfield Road side of the school, are contesting the decision by Dublin City Council to refuse planning permission last year.

A subsidiary of developer Lioncor, 1 Celbridge West Land Ltd, lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against the decision to refuse planning.

Following a meeting on February 1, the Board decided to refuse permission, stating the proposed residential development on lands zoned for Community and Social Infrastructure would “materially contravene the zoning of the site”.

The Board also said the proposal would involve the construction of housing on lands “partially in Flood Risk Zone B”, as set out in the planning system.

They also said proposed density is not justified by the available capacity of current transport facilities, and that the quantam of housing proposed is “excessive and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

The Carmelite order, who own the site and run Terenure College, say the sale of the land will help secure the future viability of the college.

The plan by Lioncor — which also includes 21 houses — comprises four apartment blocks rising to seven storeys that is made up of 15 studios, 166 one-bed apartments, 174 two-bed apartments and nine three-bed units. Some will be sold with the others rented.

The council refused planning permission after 240 objections were lodged against the scheme, citing transportation issues and lack of supporting services in the community as a key concern.

On behalf of the developers, planning consultant David Armstrong, of Armstrong Planning, told the appeals board that the scheme would address the housing shortage “by ensuring the delivery of comfortable, well-planned residential units in a mix of ‘build to sell’ and ‘build to rent’ apartments.”