Height of the residential development and number of apartments reduced in response to concerns over visual and residential impact
Dublin City Council has granted planning permission for a modified residential development project on Richmond Road, close to the Tolka River, after ordering a reduction in the proposed height and number of apartments. The original plans submitted by Malkey Ltd earlier this year featured a 10-storey block with 133 apartments, situated on the former site of Leydens Wholesalers & Distributors.
In response to concerns over the visual impact on the streetscape and the potential effect on nearby residential areas, the city council has approved the development with significant modifications. The new design features a reduced 10-storey block with the top two storeys removed and a nine-storey block reduced to seven storeys. Consequently, the total number of apartments has been decreased from 133 to 107, including 55 one-bedroom units and 57 two-bedroom apartments.
According to the planner’s report, the revised development plan is situated on an appropriately zoned and serviced brownfield site in an inner suburban area. The site is within reasonable proximity to high-quality public transport and is part of a cluster of higher density, taller buildings. The report stated that the reduced height would better accommodate the context and setting of the development without unduly impacting existing residential amenities, ultimately contributing to the area’s built character.
The planner’s report concluded that the modified proposal would not cause significant harm to the residential amenities of the surrounding area and is in line with the current development plan provisions. This newly approved scheme is the second phase of a larger development project, with a Hollybrook Homes-affiliated company currently awaiting approval from An Bord Pleanála for a strategic housing development scheme featuring 183 “build-to-rent” units.
Although the development faced local opposition, with over 30 residents raising concerns about the potential impact on traffic, congestion, and personal safety due to the narrow nature of Richmond Road, the revised plans ultimately received council approval.