Residents appeal plan to build 75 apartments on Orwell Park

Planning&Development Three first party appeals have been submitted to An Bord Pleanála in response to planning permission…

Planning&DevelopmentThree first party appeals have been submitted to An Bord Pleanála in response to planning permission for a development of 75 apartments at Orwell Park in Rathgar, Dublin 6.

Eugene Reneghan's Walthill Properties was looking to build the development in the grounds of Dartry House on a site forming part of St Joseph's retirement and residential centre. The scheme would involve demolishing buildings to the north of Dartry House fronting onto Orwell Woods and Orwell Park and building 75 apartments and a crèche in five four-storey over basement blocks with balconies and terraces.

In its appeal, Rathgar Residents Association says there is a need to address the proximity of the development to Dartry House, which it said would be "overwhelmed by this enormous and overpowering development". Other concerns are increased traffic, the density and height of the development and the potential impact of the development on the Dodder river .

Orwell Park Residents Association took issue with the design of the development which it says fails to respect the character and scale of existing buildings in Orwell Park.

READ SOME MORE

Reneghan bought Dartry House, a large period house owned by the Mill Hill Missionaries and the adjoining 3.9 acres at Orwell Park, for a reported €30 million.

Edel Morgan

Edel Morgan

Edel Morgan is Special Reports Editor of The Irish Times