A group of Dublin 4 residents are trying to block plans by a property firm backed by businessman Denis O'Brien from constructing a new €50 million luxury apartment block development in Donnybrook. Last month, Dublin City Council gave the go-ahead to Gibraltar-registered Purleigh Holdings Ltd to construct 71 apartments in five white pavilion blocks at Greenfield, Donnybrook.

The development consists of five four-storey apartment blocks with wrap-around balconies made up of 56 two-bedroom, 14 three-bedroom and one four-bedroom apartments.The council granted permission despite 18 separate objections, including three from local residents groups.

Amenities

It granted permission after its planner concluded the development would not unduly materially detract from the amenities of adjoining properties or the character of the area. However, the 30 residents of the adjoining Nutley Square have appealed against the decision to

An Bord Pleanála

through management firm Nutley Square Management Company.

In a submission to the council, consultants for Purleigh Holdings said apartments at the site would contribute to the alleviation of the housing shortage within Dublin while also providing accommodation on serviced land, within close proximity to shops and facilities and with good public transport connections.

In its appeal, the management company claims the proposal “seriously contravenes” the Dublin City Council development plan “in relation to character, height and density and is totally incompatible with the existing developments in the area”.

The size will have “an unacceptable adverse impact on the houses in Nutley Square”. It also says house owners will “find they are overlooked” by the development.A decision is due on the appeal in December.