Appeal upheld over decision to grant apartments at Leitrim Lodge

AN APPEAL was not upheld by An Bord Pleanala over a decision by Dublin City Council to grant permission for apartments in Chapelizod.

Plans by Infield Developments include proposals for a fivestorey apartment block with 23 units.

The city council granted planning permission in 2022 for the proposals, which includes the demolition of structures on site including a daycentre, a workshop, and restoration of Leitrim Lodge to it’s former use as a four-bed single occupancy residential dwelling with two car parking spaces.

The apartment block is located at the site of a Protected Structure and led to objections in the community.

Following approval from the city council, a couple of appeals were made to ABP including one by a resident on behalf of Chapelizod Old Village Association.

According to the Inspectors report with ABP, the main concerns related to the impact of the development on the Chapelizod Architecture Conservation Area (ACA), and nearby Protected Structures, the excessive height and scale of the building, overshadowing of adjoining residences and the local school, traffic and access issues, and excessive pressure on existing infrastructure.

When the plan was lodged with the city council in 2020, over 20 objections were lodged by local residents, St Laurence National School, St Laurence’s Church and the Chapelizod Heritage Society, citing major concerns around traffic and access.

In making their decision, ABP said they regarded previous planning history on the site and proposals to address previous reason for refusal.

“It is considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions… the proposed development would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area, would not adversely impact on the established character of the area and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience,” said ABP.