Bartra Capital says its plans for Bulloch Harbour near Dalkey in Dublin have been informed by the objectives of removing "an eye sore" and creating "a landmark" mixed-use scheme.
The company, led by Richard Barrett, has lodged extensive planning documents in connection with the firm's controversial plans to redevelop the harbour site. Filing of the plans looks set to reignite one of the most contentious planning rows in south Dublin in recent years.
Local resident and broadcaster Pat Kenny was one of the most vocal opponents of Bartra's previous planned mixed-use scheme for Bulloch Harbour which attracted more than 250 local objections.
A new report submitted by Bartra to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council argues that the scheme “is a suitably positioned and well-designed coastal scheme”.
The plan for the former Western Marine Building at Bulloch Harbour seeks demolition and clearance of the existing single-storey warehouses and sheds.
The scheme – which is very similar to the application that was recently withdrawn by Bartra from An Bord Pleanála – includes building a three-storey structure incorporating a cafe and one four-bedroom apartment. It also includes a single-storey seafood sales outlet, four fisherman's huts, a new public square and three three-storey detached houses.
Now, advancing the Bartra case for the new scheme to the council, a planning report lodged by DK Planning & Architecture, contends that the proposal “represents a considerable investment which will greatly enhance the public realm at Bulloch”.
Character and setting
The report by Karl Kent states that "there is an opportunity now to improve the character and setting of the harbour by removing the industrial warehouses, redeveloping this brownfield site for bespoke commercial and leisure marine based activity, together with an appropriate quantum of residential development".
In the report, Mr Kent contends that the mixed-use development of marine and residential buildings “is an appropriate design response to the constraints of this sensitive, infill coastal location”.
Mr Kent says a high-density development was ruled out after it was found that it would “result in an unacceptably negative impact on this historic small harbour”. He notes that there has been “very little” investment in the harbour for many years”.
