Permission for three houses in laneway ‘narrow and unsafe’

PERMISSION has been refused for the construction of three detached houses in a laneway off Muckross Avenue in Perrystown.

Kristian Hogan, and Ciara, Jarlath and Kevin Dolan lodged the planning application last December, which also included the demolition of the existing structures at the site.

They also sought permission to connect the houses to the public sewer, and for the widening of the existing vehicular entrance and new gate together with all ancillary site works and services.

The proposal attracted eight third-party observations, where issues such as the laneway being “narrow and unsafe” and thus unsuitable as an entrance to the development were raised.

It was also noted in the observations that two-way traffic could not be accommodated in the laneway, and there was “no capacity” for the development of a footpath and public lighting.

The development could also cause overlooking into nearby properties, and concerns were raised about emergency and delivery vehicle access to the laneway.

On February 9, South Dublin County Council decided to refuse planning permission for the three one-and-a-half-storey dwellings.

The grounds for refusal include that the vehicular and pedestrian traffic that the development would generate would not be appropriate in the laneway.

The council stated that the laneway is unlit, with a lack of visibility due to high walls, and is narrow and all of these factors combined would “endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard”.

Permission was also refused because “insufficient information” was submitted in relation to the proposed development’s impact on existing residential amenity in the area.

“The proposed two-storey houses would be approx. 5.3m to 9.1m from the rear boundary of residential properties on Rockfield Avenue,” stated the council.

“Further information including contiguous and sectional drawings and a revised site layout plan is required to fully assess the potential impact of the proposed houses on the properties to the rear of the site.

“The proposed development is therefore considered to be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”