An Coimisiún Pleanála Refuses 49-Home Dublin Scheme to Save Sports Pitch

An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning permission for a 49-home residential development at Portland Row in Dublin's north inner city.

The decision overturns Dublin City Council's previous ruling to grant permission for the joint housing scheme, which was proposed by the council and Tuath Housing Association. The project, which comprised 49 homes across three residential blocks, would have resulted in the removal of an existing Mixed Use Games Area at nearby Aldborough Place.

While An Coimisiún Pleanála acknowledged that the proposed development was a "high quality and coherent urban scheme", it refused permission on the grounds that the applicant failed to prove there was no long-term need for the community sports pitch. The applicant also failed to demonstrate that the pitch would be replaced by an equivalent facility in a suitable location.

The planning appeals board determined that losing the play area would materially contravene Dublin City Development Plan policies protecting existing sports and recreational facilities. Consequently, the board ruled that the development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.