50 homes for Lough Rynn Estate

An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead to Laragan Developments to build 50 residential units at the 18th century Lough Rynn Estate near Mohill in Co Leitrim. These units, which constitute a re-design of part of the site, were allowed despite opposition by An Taisce.

Laragan Developments, controlled by the Hanly Group, is to build 18 three-bed units in nine blocks and 32 three and four-bed terraced houses in seven blocks on a 1.6-hectare site.

An Taisce complained that previously built units in the estate were "demeaned" by the use of inappropriate building materials. However, An Bord Pleanála ruled in favour of the new design.

In 2002, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for a change of use and refurbishment of Lough Rynn House, a Gothic Victorian manor house, to provide a hotel operated by Sovern Hotels and convert a stable courtyard and machinery shed to provide a conference centre, equestrian centre and leisure centre.

The developer also got permission for an 18-hole golf course with associated clubhouse facilities as well as a scheme of houses and apartments. However, two conditions required the omission of a number of units to protect the setting of Lough Rynn House but allowed the developer to submit a new design for a portion of the site.

Another appeal relating to the Lough Rynn estate is currently before the planning board. Laragan's bid to add to a previously permitted development has been appealed by one party. The proposal is to add five new golf holes, two bridges, 40 hotel suites and 33 residential units.

Mixed-use plan for D6 house

A proposal to demolish Dartmouth House at Grand Parade, Dublin 6 and replace it with an office, retail and apartment development has been submitted to Dublin City Council.

The applicant, Anne Marie Sheehan, is looking to demolish the existing building at Ranelagh Road and Grand Parade, which adjoins a protected structure, and replace it with a new mixed-use building with a gross floor area of 4,806sq m (51,731sq ft). This is five-storey over basement onto the Ranelagh Road and nine storeys over basement onto Grand Parade. The development comprises of 1,655sq m (17,814sq ft) of offices, 20 apartments, a café/bar with outside terrace onto Ranelagh Road and Grand Parade and two retail/service units.