Go-ahead given for apartments on site of former Kestrel pub

PROPOSALS for apartments at the site of the Kestrel pub in Walkinstown have been granted permission by Dublin City Council.

The plans contain proposals for 42 apartments, 16 car-parking spaces, over four, five and part six storeys, plus 138 bicycleparking spaces and three retail units at ground floor.

The development was rejected by An Bord Pleanála in May, who said it “would materially contravene the building height provisions” of the Dublin City Development Plan.

However, according to the latest Dublin City Council planning documentation, further information supplied by the applicants for the Kestrel site, Double E Investments, has been approved by city council planners.

The additional information was requested by city planners, and included details on landscape, daylight sunlight, traffic, and floor plans.

In making their decision, DCC said the permission “shall not be construed as approving any development shown on the plans, particulars and specifications, the nature and extent of which has not been adequately stated in the statutory public notices.”

A number of conditions are stipulated with the planning permission.

Among them, a development contribution of €535,600 towards public infrastructure and facilities, and a development contribution of €168,000 in lieu of public open spaces.

According to the conditions, car-parking spaces “shall not be sold with units, but shall be assigned and managed in a separate capacity via leasing or permit arrangements.”

Up to 20 per cent of car-parking spaces shall be provided with functional electrical vehicle charging points and the remaining spaces shall be provided with electrical connection to allow for the future installation electrical vehicle charging points.

Last year, Double E Investments, were refused planning permission by DCC, for a development at the site, which included proposals for 52 apartments but no car-parking spaces.

Renewed plans featuring 42 apartments and 16 car-parking spaces were rejected in May, until the latest decision by DCC.

City planners previously cited “inadequate provision for servicing and car-parking within the site” which they said would “generate overspill parking and servicing activity onto the adjacent heavily trafficked public road network.”

The proposal generated many objections from residents, concerned at the lack of car-parking spaces, impact on local infrastructure, and height and scale of the development.

Appeals to the latest decision must be received by An Bord Pleanála within four weeks beginning on June 21.

The landmark Kestrel pub sold for more than its €1.8m guide price in 2019.