More than 350 objections have been lodged against plans for a €52 million “build to rent” apartment scheme for Clontarf in Dublin.
Those objecting to the "fast track" strategic housing development scheme lodged by Savona Ltd include Fianna Fáil TD Sean Haughey, who has told the appeals board the scheme "is totally unsuitable" for the Redcourt site at Seafield Road East.
Mr Haughey said he was not opposed to residential development for the site but argues the proposed density is excessive and therefore “constitutes overdevelopment”.
He said the 131-unit, six-storey scheme is “completely out of character with the adjacent residences and the general locality”.
The vast bulk of objections have been made by individual local residents. Others to object include the Clontarf Residents Association and the Seafield Road East Residents Group.
In its objection the Clontarf Residents Association claim the scheme is not appropriate for the site and should be refused.
Planning consultants Marston has drawn up a 16-page objection for three residents' groups – the Dollymount and Rise Residents Group, the Seacourt Residents Group and the Seafield Road East Residents Group. In the objection Anthony Marston states "there are strong and unambiguous grounds for refusing permission for this SHD [strategic housing development] application".
He said a grant of permission would “set a highly undesirable precedent”.
However, a planning report lodged on behalf of Savona for the scheme states the proposed development “is an opportunity to continue the delivery of housing in this strategic location, adjacent to high quality public transport and a wide range of social and physical infrastructure”.
It says the scheme is deliverable in the short to medium term, and will provide an appropriate form of high quality residential development on the site.
As part of the proposal Savona is proposing to sell eight one-bed and five two-bed units to Dublin City Council to comply with its Part V social housing requirements. It has put a tentative price tag of €5.34 million on the homes.
A decision is due on the application in early January.
