The appeals board, An Bord Pleanála, has approved the application for a large-scale residential (LRD) construction project of 181 apartments, otherwise referred to as a “Silicon Docks” model, on Harold’s Cross in Dublin 6W. This authorization contradicts the Dublin City Council’s previous dismissal of the planning proposal from the Adroit Company Ltd due to worries regarding flood potentialities and issues of accessibility.
Adroit’s plans cover a four to seven-storey building establish within four blocks along Harold’s Cross Rd. Dublin City Council originally raised objections, largely on flooding and access grounds. Over 40 submissions were made regarding the LRD scheme during its council review stage, with significant reservations raised by locals including Alan Massey from Mount Jerome crematorium who claimed the proposed development was a misfit within the current setting.
Planning consent was ultimately awarded by the appeals board after Adroit presented a 123-page appeal. Armstrong Fenton Associates, Adroit’s consultants, claimed that the rejection was baseless arguing that the execution of the project would coincide with a flood mitigation programme.
Nonetheless, opposition to the scheme remained with Harold’s Cross Village Community Council and Parnell Road residents among 11 groups restating their objections. In addressing these concerns, the appeals board requires the river Poddle flood alleviation scheme to be completed before any part of this development can be occupied.
The scheme was evaluated by appeals board inspector Irené McCormack in her 115-page review report. McCormack noted that the proposed density of the scheme upholds the government policy which promotes higher occupancy on underused urban areas, supporting compact growth and resisting further urban sprawl to help combat climate change.
She also suggested that the new establishment will bring new structure and heights to the locale. However, Ms. McCormack also added that the staggered building heights and layout would prevent any sharp changes in scale and height relative to neighboring residencies. She underlined that the city skyline is developing and several areas within the city could accommodate higher structures, despite their low-rise character as mentioned in the council development plans.
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