An Bord Pleanála has turned down an appeal by Manor Park Homes against a decision by Cork City Council to refuse planning permission for a €700 million development at the Horgan's Quay site near Kent Railway Station in Cork.
The board refused the appeal on eight grounds, saying the proposal failed to provide a master plan for the redevelopment of the entire site, as is required under the council's north docks local area plan.
It said the proposal to build 276 residential units in seven blocks, including one tower of 20 to 24 storeys high, would have a detrimental visual impact.
The refusal was welcomed by Cork city manager Joe Gavin, who said he was not surprised by the decision as the council had refused planning and given very strong grounds for its refusal.
"We've had some discussions with them [ Manor Park Homes] recently and they are aware of our policies and strategies for the area. I know they are very anxious to move ahead with the development of the site so I would be confident that they will be back very soon with a more suitable plan."
The decision was also welcomed by solicitors Joe Noonan and Mary Linehan, who live in the area and had also lodged an appeal.