Council give green light for Dalkey apartment scheme despite local opposition
Kenneth Fox
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council has given the green light to contentious plans for a €16.7 million 22-unit residential scheme on the grounds of the former Dalkey Lodge Nursing Home in Dalkey.
The Council has granted planning permission to Grassridge Ltd for the 22-unit scheme on Ardrugh Rd comprising eight terrace/semi- detached three/four bed houses and 14 two-three-bed duplex apartments.
The planning authority has granted planning permission despite local opposition, including an objection from the Dalkey Community Council.
In granting planning permission, the Council concluded that the proposal “would not adversely impact on the residential amenity or adjacent properties” concerning the issues of overlooking, overshadowing or overbearing appearance.
The Council stated that, in addition, the proposal would not detract from the character of the surrounding area.
The firm previously secured planning permission for 15 units on the site from An Bord Pleanála in 2019 despite local opposition.
Construction work on a permitted modified scheme commenced in 2024, but the Council refused an extension of time for the planning permission, resulting in construction work ceasing.
Part V social housing proposals lodged by the applicant put an indicative average price of €757,797 on each of four duplex units earmarked for social housing.
A final price on the units will be arrived at following discussions between the applicant and the Council.
In an objection lodging on behalf of Dalkey Community Council, chairwoman Dr Susan McDonnell told the council that the proposal should be refused planning permission as it constitutes over-development of the site.
Ms McDonnell stated that the proposed development represents a major intensification on a steep and highly sensitive site adjoining Killiney Hill Park (pNHA).
In a separate group submission on behalf of residents of Ardbrugh Road, Dalkey and adjoining environs, they stated that the introduction of platformed development and continuous built frontage directly adjoining Killiney Hill Park “has the potential to materially alter the landscape interface between the site and adjoining amenity lands”.
In the objection signed off by Alison Byrne, Darragh Fegan, and 12 others, they state the proposal constitutes overdevelopment of a constrained hillside site and results in elevated overlooking of adjoining residential properties.
In a planning report lodged with the application, planning consultants, McGill Planning stated, however that “the quantum, density, unit mix and layout is considered wholly suitable for this site and in accordance with current planning policy”.
Planner at McGill Planning, Isabelle Moran, stated that the site is zoned for residential use and contends that the proposal “will bring the site into active residential use in accordance with the zoning”.
