Milverton Demesne plan appealed: Tamorbrick Ltd, a division of Treasury Holdings, has appealed to An Bord Pleanála a decision by Fingal County Council to refuse it planning permission to turn Milverton Demesne in Skerries, Co Dublin into a tourism and leisure facility.
Fingal County Council gave 16 reasons for refusing the proposal, including that it would be a serious overdevelopment of lands which would have an impact on the demesne landscape. Tamorbrick Ltd sought to build a 100-bed hotel, two 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole putting course, a driving range and golf club with pro-shop. It also proposed a craft centre, apart-hotel, equestrian centre and tennis academy on a 437-acre estate spanning Milverton Demesne and Home Farm. Around 30 residential and 30 tourist accommodation units were also part of the plan which would have involved the demolition of an existing two-storey 460 sq m (4,951 sq ft) house and a single storey 200 sq m (2,153 sq ft) cottage.
RDS scheme generates 25 appeals
There have been 25 appeals to a plan by the RDS to build five office blocks on Simmonscourt Road. Founded in 1731, the RDS's 42 acres are worth around €200 million. To reduce its dependency on the events industry, it plans to focus on property management. The RDS is also looking to part demolish and refurbish the Anglesea Stand and replace its roof and knock a number of structures including Paddock Hall South, a terrace adjoining the eastern end of the Anglesea Stand and two gatelodges to the east of Simmonscourt Road.
A final decision by An Bord Pleanála is expected in late February. Parking, traffic and drainage problems in addition to the "negative aesthetic ramifications" are cited as local concerns.
Among the appellants are Sandymount and Merrion Residents Association, Anglesea Road Residents Association, Ailesbury Residents Association, An Taisce, Simmonscourt Residents Committee, Shrewsbury Park Residents Association and St Mary's Church, Donnybrook.
New hotel beside Zanzibar
Capital Bars has been granted permission for a 4,296 sq m (46,242 sq ft) 55-bed hotel fronting Lower Ormond Quay and Great Strand Street with a restaurant and cafe bar. Part of the hotel will be beside Zanzibar pub and will involve the demolition of a number of existing buildings.
