Opponents of plans for a new €316 million build-to-rent scheme for Dundrum claim that the development would have a negative impact on the value of all homes in the surrounding area.
Balally Residents Association is one of more than 80 parties that have objected to plans by 1 Wyckham Land Ltd for 531 build-to-rent apartments across five blocks and rising to 10 storeys in height at Marmalade Lane in Dundrum.
The Strategic Housing Development scheme before An Bord Pleanála comprises 28 studios, 297 one-bed units, 197 two-bed units and nine three-bedroom apartments.
The amenities for residents include an outdoor cinema, a yoga studio, a chef’s kitchen, a rooftop garden and pet washing facilities.
The proposed development site is a 10-minute walk from Dundrum Town Centre.
Fifty-three dwellings are to be allocated to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for social housing and the developers have put an indicative cost of €681,410 on the two-bedroom apartments and €417,224 on the one-bedroom units
In January of last year the developers secured planning permission for 466 build-to-rent units in apartment blocks rising to nine storeys at the same site. The new proposal involves an additional 65 units.
‘Exemplar’ development
A design statement lodged with the scheme described the new proposal as an “exemplar” build-to-rent development and “when compared to international schemes of similar size, the quantum and range of amenities being proposed at Cross Avenue is considered best in class”.
Sharon Brennan, on behalf of Balally Residents Association, said the scale and size of the scheme would "without question have a negative impact on the value of all homes in the surrounding area due to issues relating to overlooking, overbearing height and lack of facilities to cater for significant additional traffic volumes".
Ms Brennan said the area was dominated by one- and two-storey residential properties and a 10-storey apartment block was not in keeping with the landscape of the area.
The Parkvale and Ballyolaf Residents Association has urged the appeals board to reject the scheme on the basis that it would bring a host of negative consequences for the existing community. The residents' association said that the design of the development would lend itself to a transitory population.
An Taisce is also opposed to the scheme.
