## An Bord Pleanála Approves 110-Unit Apartment Scheme in Fairview, Dublin
Key Highlights :
An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for a 110-unit apartment scheme in Fairview, Dublin. Last October, Banner A Cuig Ltd lodged plans for a 118-unit scheme of three apartment blocks, including two blocks rising to five storeys, at Fairview Strand and Esmond Avenue in Fairview. The initial scheme comprised 57 one-bedroom units, 55 two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units. The scheme also included an additional four units through the re-instatement of two homes at 61 and 63 Fairview Strand.
Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the scheme in December. However, two third-party appeals were lodged against the council decision by Ciaran and Dr Alana Lawlor and Pauline Murnin and other residents, while Banner A Cuig also appealed against a number of conditions attached to the decision. Ms Murnin and others argued that the scheme was completely disproportionate in terms of size and height.
The appeals board ordered the re-design of 10 units to form five units, thus reducing the number of units from 118 to 110. The board said the proposed development "would constitute an acceptable quantum and density of development in this inner urban brownfield location". In granting permission, the appeals board also said the scheme would provide a reasonable form of residential amenity for future occupants.
The appeals board concluded that the development would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would be acceptable in terms of urban design, height and scale of development. Last December, the council granted planning permission after its planner’s report said the density reflects the compact nature of the brownfield site redevelopment and the added population the scheme will generate will also help the viability of local services.
The planner's report also said the scheme was consistent with national development objectives in relation to the efficient use of scarce zoned and serviced urban lands, urban consolidation and compact cities. The report also said the proposed scheme would retain the compact form of the urban area and help to meet housing demand in accordance with Government policy and guidance.
An Bord Pleanála's approval of the 110-unit apartment scheme in Fairview, Dublin is a welcome development for a city that is facing a severe housing shortage. The re-design of 10 units to form five units, reducing the number of units from 118 to 110, has been welcomed by the local community. The scheme is in line with national development objectives and will help to meet the housing demand in the city. The scheme will provide a reasonable form of residential amenity for future occupants and will not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area.
