Developer Bryan Cullen's plans for a 400-unit residential development at Beechpark in Stillorgan has met with considerable local opposition.

Twenty-two parties have appealed planning permission granted to Jackson Homes by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The county council approved the scheme despite receiving over 70 local objections.

The proposal also includes six autistic person's units, a 361 sq m (3,886 sq ft) crèche, a 1,401 sq m (15,080 sq ft) gymnasium, and an autistic persons care unit/elderly persons care unit in 17 blocks ranging from two to eight stories.

It would also involve the demolition of two existing houses, number 1 and 3 Farmleigh Avenue, and three vacant school buildings.

Appellants included three residents associations; Ardlagh, Roewood and Laurleen Residents Association, and Stillorgan District Community Residents Alliance.

Among the grounds of appeal were the visual impact of the scheme and that its height and density would dominate nearby houses resulting in loss of privacy and natural light.

Another concern was that the demolition of two houses to facilitate an entrance would change the look and balance of Farmleigh and result in potential devaluation of property.

The removal of mature trees and shrubs in Beechpark, and insufficient car-parking provision were other issues.

Bryan Cullen bought the 45-hectare site beside St John of God Hospital over a year ago for €33 million.

Last October he was refused planning permission for a larger development of 437 units in 18 blocks and over 500 car-parking spaces on the grounds it had an unacceptable level of finish and "would result in a substandard form of development which would appear visually obtrusive given its prominent location".

Another reason given was that the traffic generated by the development would be a hazard and endanger public safety.