3 days ago
Finglas apartment plans on proposed Luas route withdrawn following community pushback
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Plans to develop over 600 apartments on a site along the proposed Finglas Luas route have been withdrawn following serious concerns from the local community.
The plans for 607 residential units within five blocks were intended for the KSG Group Site on McKee Avenue with heights of up to 10 storeys. The plans were submitted as a singular application despite the Jamestown masterplan for the area.
This planning application was submitted for a site that was earmarked in the masterplan for primarily three but up to eight storeys. While a reason for withdrawal was not forthcoming through Dublin City Council planning, the application received considerable pushback from the community.
Dozens of observations were submitted on the planning application from locals, resident groups and politicians, primarily objecting to the proposal in its current form. Issues raised included traffic concerns, overdevelopment of the site against the master plan, the need for the Luas and the overcapacity of the local water and sewage network.
Fianna Fail councillor Keith Connolly raised concerns surrounding the lack of alignment with the masterplan for the area. He said: "The Masterplan clearly requires that developments be brought forward in a phased, coordinated manner, including the provision of surface water management infrastructure, green space, and community facilities.
"This application appears to be a standalone development with no demonstrated coordination with adjacent landowners or a comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan(SWMP). There has been no evidence of a holistic approach to the side or any engagement with surrounding landowners, particularly those on the Jamestown Road side of the masterplan."
While his party colleague, TD Paul McAuliffe added: "The Jamestown Masterplan, as adopted by the elected members of Dublin City Council,provides the agreed framework for development in this area. It is essential that all applications adhere to its principles to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and well-serviced community."
While people Before Profit Cllr Conor Reddy said that the proposal "moves further away from the goal of a sustainable, mixed community rather than private rental".
One of the adjacent land owners also had concerns about an access road planned for the their site and the lack of access to the proposal site for construction due to no agreement or engagement. They claimed that the applicant created a "ransom strip" with the proposal.
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