Introduction

In a significant development, Lioncor has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála over the refusal by Dublin City Council to grant planning permission for a major housing project on Terenure College land. The proposed development, which includes 284 homes—consisting of 265 apartments and 19 four-bed houses—has sparked intense debate, particularly regarding transport and parking provisions.

Background of the Proposal

The development is located on an 11.5-acre site at the northwest corner of Terenure College senior school grounds. The area was previously used as playing fields associated with the now-closed junior school. The plan involves four blocks of apartments, with one block reaching up to six storeys high. This project is distinct from a previous proposal that was rejected by An Bord Pleanála in 2023, which involved a larger build-to-rent scheme of 364 units.

Previous Developments

In February 2023, An Bord Pleanála refused a separate application for a 364-unit build-to-rent project on the same grounds, citing concerns unrelated to parking. The new proposal by Lioncor is a "build to sell" model, which the company believes addresses previous concerns and aligns with local and national planning policies.

Reasons for Refusal and Appeal

Dublin City Council refused the latest proposal primarily due to transport issues, specifically inadequate car parking provisions. The council argued that this would lead to unacceptable levels of overspill and haphazard parking on nearby roads and bus corridors. However, in their appeal, Lioncor disputes these claims, stating that the potential for overspill parking is unsubstantiated.

Brenda Butterly, Associate Director at McGill Planning, highlighted that every department at Dublin City Council, except the transport planning department, was in favor of granting permission. She noted that it was disappointing the council did not seek further information or propose conditions to address the parking concerns.

Key Points of the Appeal

• Transportation Concerns: Lioncor argues that the refusal based on transport issues is unfounded and that the development would not lead to significant parking problems.
• Alignment with Planning Policies: The appeal emphasizes that the proposed development aligns with both local and national planning policies, which prioritize efficient use of land in urban areas.
• Community Benefits: The project would utilize currently vacant land, providing much-needed housing and potentially enhancing the local community through well-designed apartments and homes.

Implications for the Local Area

The proposed development is situated in an established, highly accessible location within Dublin City, making it an attractive option for potential residents. The project could contribute significantly to addressing the housing shortage in the area while also enhancing local infrastructure and amenities.

Community Reaction

While some may welcome the prospect of new homes in a prime location, others may express concerns about the potential impact on local transport systems and community resources. Any large-scale development requires careful planning to ensure it meets both current and future community needs effectively.

Future Steps

An Bord Pleanála is set to make a decision on the appeal in July. This decision will be crucial, as it will determine whether the project moves forward and how it might influence future developments in similarly sensitive locations.

Conclusion

The appeal by Lioncor to An Bord Pleanála represents a significant point of contention in the ongoing debate about urban development in Dublin. As Ireland continues to grapple with housing shortages and urban planning challenges, such decisions will have lasting impacts on the quality of life and infrastructure for local communities.