WE'VE NOTICED that the few planning applications for new homes these days tend to be for small infill developments in desirable locations – not that this guarantees the planners will look favourably upon them. In fact these days An Bord Pleanálaseems to be putting the kibosh on small developments all over the city .
Recently it refused permission to demolish Kinloch, a four-bed house on Gordon Avenue, Foxrock, Dublin 18 – which sold for over €3.35m in 2008 – and build four two-storey over basement houses.
The planning board, who's inspector noted that "although the front elevation is largely overgrown with ivy , it is largely an attractive property with individual features", ruled that the design and scale would constitute overdevelopment of the site and set an undesirable precedent for similar development in the area. The planning application was observed closely by Foxrock Area Development. In Sandyford the board vetoed a development where Rod McGovernlost his first party appeal to demolish a bungalow – Darone, Slate Cabin Lane in Sandyford, Dublin 18 – and build six semi-detached bungalows.
This time the board said “the layout, bulk and massing fails to provide an appropriate response to the site’s context.”
Meanwhile across the city in Malahide, the board overturned Fingal County Council's decision to grant permission to Tommy Kellyfor a four-storey over basement apartment block with eight units on the coast road which would involve knocking an existing bungalow.
Malahide Community Forum, one of the appellants, pointed out that there are “currently many vacant apartments for sale and rent” in the area and said it would be out of character with existing development in the area.
