Local residents and public representatives have expressed disappointment over the decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for the construction of almost 1,600 build-to-rent apartments on Clonliffe Road in Drumcondra, Dublin.
The development was described as “profoundly disproportionate” while it was suggested that the decision to allow it proceed “ignores the community’s views”.
US property group Hines sought permission to develop 1,614 apartments on the site of the old Holy Cross seminary, of which 70 per cent will be studio or one-bedroom units.
In its planning application, the developer said the apartments would be built in 11 blocks, nine of which would be between four and eight storeys tall, with one 13-storey and one 18-storey building.
In addition, a five-storey extension would be added to the old seminary building which would also be converted for apartment use.
The property group confirmed on Monday that it had been granted permission for the €610 million development, with a number of conditions attached.
One of the conditions was that one block must be reduced in width by 18 metres, resulting in the reduction of the overall number of apartments by 22 to 1,592.
In its decision, the board acknowledged the height and density breached the city development plan, but pointed to ministerial guidelines that allowed bigger developments concentrated in urban areas.
‘Acceptable residential density’
It said: “Subject to compliance with the conditions...the proposed development would constitute an acceptable residential density in this inner suburban location.”
The board also stated that the resulting apartment scheme could not be used for short term lets, adding that ownership of the development will remain with one institution for a minimum of 15 years.
The proposed development received considerable local and political opposition.
Some 120 observations were made to the planning board, including from Dublin City Council, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and housing activists.
Clonliffe and Croke Park Area Residents' Association said it was disappointed by the news.
“It is hard to understand how [An] Bord Pleanála could grant permission for a development of this scale in the area considering the many concerns raised by local residents, public representatives and Dublin City Council,” the association said.
“The build to rent scheme is profoundly disproportionate to the scale of existing housing in the area, and the wider neighbourhood.”
Declan Meenagh, a Labour party councillor, said the decision to grant permission for the development is “ignoring the community’s view”.
“The clear community view was that they were building too high. And you can’t live long term in build to rent accommodation,” he said.
He added that there was a need for a “significant proportion” of the apartments to be made available for purchase, and for the density to be re-examined.
Donna Cooney, a Green Party councillor, said the nature of the scheme was transient, and “there is no plan for people to put roots down”.
William Spence, a local resident who has lived in the area for 70 years, said it was “not a good day” for the community.
“I’m a retired postman so I’d know more people than most, but nowadays nobody knows who their next door neighbour is,” he said.
“ And this is all geared towards rent. There seems to be no such thing as being allowed to buy any more.”
Hines Ireland welcomed the planning board’s decision.
Brian Moran, senior MD with the firm, said the decision “will help greatly in the delivery of badly needed housing for the city of Dublin and provide a significant boost to supply at a time of unprecedented market demand”.
“Without projects of this nature being developed, as quickly as possible, the unprecedented pressure on the existing housing stock, due to population and job growth will be even more acute.”
