An application for the construction of 463 residential units in Leopardstown, Dublin, is set to undergo a fresh review by An Bord Pleanála. This follows successful challenges in the High Court, prompting a reconsideration of the initial approval granted for the development.
An Bord Pleanála acknowledged flaws in its decision, leading to the quashing of the planning permission for the project that included a residential development and childcare facility on a site near Brewery Road. The board has agreed to reevaluate the application in compliance with legal requirements, following separate legal actions by the Leopardstown Action Group and environmental activist John Conway.
The proposed project, submitted under the Strategic Housing Development scheme, involves the construction of six apartment blocks of varying heights up to 10 storeys, offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes. Legal representatives for the residents and Mr. Conway highlighted alleged legal errors made by An Bord Pleanála, leading to the decision’s invalidation.
Details of the Application Reconsideration:
An application for planning permission to build 463 residential units in Leopardstown, Dublin, is in the process of being re-evaluated by An Bord Pleanála. This reevaluation comes after the High Court accepted challenges to the original approval of the development.
The planning permission, initially granted in April 2022 for a project comprising residential units and a childcare facility on a 6.77-acre site at St Joseph’s House near Brewery Road, has been deemed flawed by An Bord Pleanála. As a result, the board has consented to an order annulling its previous decision.
Legal Challenges and Agreements:
The High Court heard cases brought against An Bord Pleanála by the Leopardstown Action Group and environmental activist John Conway. Both parties contended that legal errors made by the board rendered its planning decision invalid. In response, all parties involved in the legal actions reached an agreement that the planning application should be reconsidered by An Bord Pleanála in adherence to legal standards.
The board has committed to covering the legal costs incurred by the applicants in these separate cases. Sliverpines Limited, a subsidiary of developer Neil Collins’s Homeland group, had obtained fast-track approval for the project under the Strategic Housing Development scheme.
Project Details and Representation:
The proposed development includes six apartment blocks reaching heights of up to 10 storeys, offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes. Residents, represented by legal counsel John Kenny and FP Logue Solicitors, along with Mr. Conway, represented by Stephen Dodd SC and BKC Solicitors, raised concerns regarding legal errors in An Bord Pleanála’s decision-making process.
The developer, represented by McCann Fitzgerald, was involved in the legal proceedings as a notice party. The reconsideration of the planning application marks a significant development in the ongoing process of approving the construction of 463 residential units in Leopardstown.
In conclusion, the reevaluation of the application by An Bord Pleanála underscores the importance of adherence to legal standards in the planning and construction processes, ensuring transparency and accountability in the development of residential projects.
