Kestrel developer lodges appeal over planning decision
AN APPEAL has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala by developers seeking to overturn a failed planning application for a new apartment complex at the Kestrel Pub at Walkinstown roundabout.
The proposal by Double E Investments, the property arm of Double Property Group, was turned down last month by Dublin City Council, who cited a number of reasons, including “inadequate provision” for car parking.
City planners said the proposal fails to successfully integrate into the existing character of the area, resulting in a “visually dominant and overbearing form of development when viewed from the public realm”.
Double E Investments are seeking to demolish the two-storey Kestrel building and build a part 4, 6, 7 and 8-storey mixed-use development, containing 52 apartments (23 one-beds and 29 two-beds).
The plans also include proposals for three retail units and a public house at ground floor level.
According to the plans, no car parking spaces were planned, due to the site’s proximity to transport links, and provision for 96 bicycle parking spaces.
The Kestrel site
A significant amount of objections were lodged by residents concerned that the lack of car parking spaces would have a negative impact on a busy local traffic network, and increase pressure for parking spaces on residential roads in the vicinity of the site.
City planners determined the lack of parking would “generate overspill parking and servicing activity onto the adjacent heavily trafficked public road network, namely Bunting Road, Walkinstown Road, Cromwellsfort Road and footpaths thereby causing an obstruction to pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and other road users.”
Planners said the applicant had not demonstrated that the site, located on a heavily trafficked junction and road network, can accommodate a car free development based on proximity and accessibility criteria “without resulting in a negative impact on the surrounding local road network”.
The appeal lodged with ABP on August 9, is due to be decided by December 13, 2021.
The landmark Kestrel pub sold for more than its €1.8m guide price in 2019.
