Go-ahead given for new 488-unit development despite objections
By Aideen O'Flaherty
PLANS for a 488-unit apartment development on Fortunestown Lane in Saggart have been granted permission – despite attracting 28 objections from local residents.
Developer Greenacre Residential DAC lodged the plans for the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) last October, where developers who are planning to construct SHDs can apply directly to ABP under a fast-track system after consulting with the local authority.
An artist’s impression of the proposed 488-unit development on Fortunestown Lane
It is proposed that the development, which is currently under the name Fortunestown SHD 2, will consist of 118 one-bed apartments, 327 two-bed apartments, and 43 three-bed apartments, to be housed in five blocks.
In their application, the developer has outlined plans for four of the five blocks to reach five storeys in height, while one of the blocks is to have a nine-storey element.
Provision for a crèche, a community space, and retail/commercial space across six units at ground-floor level is included in the plans.
Permission has also been granted for the development of 418 car-parking spaces, to include 405 basement-level spaces and 13 surface-level spaces, and 706 bicycle-parking spaces.
The plans attracted 30 submissions, 28 of which were objections to the plans on a number of grounds, including concerns about potential traffic congestion, flood risk, a reduction in greenspace in the locality, and concerns about a lack of provision of frequent and efficient public transport services.
An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the plans last week, with a number of conditions, including the establishment of a Mobility Management Plan, and that no additional development shall take place above roof parapet level.
