Plans by Menolly Homes and Manor Park Homes to secure permission for a 920-home scheme at Hansfield in Blanchardstown, through traditional planning channels, have been scuppered by An Bord Pleanála.

The 31-hectare site at Hansfield in Blanchardstown is designated as part of a strategic development zone (SDZ), launched in 2001 to "fast-track" the building of new homes. However, because the planning scheme has not yet been approved by An Bord Pleanála, the developers opted to seek permission for the scheme through traditional planning channels.

Last October Fingal County Council refused permission for the scheme on the grounds that it would be premature pending a decision by the planning board on the draft planning scheme. Upholding the council's decision An Bord Pleanála has ruled that the proposed development would be premature pending its decision on the draft planning scheme.

The board also noted that the development would be at variance with significant modifications to the scheme it has sought. Aside from 920 apartments and houses, Menolly Homes and Manor Park Homes were seeking to build nine shops, a medical centre, two crèches and a pub and restaurant.

In 2003 the planning board indicated that the Hansfield SDZ plan would not be approved unless it was served with a rail station. It also criticised the plan for failing to ensure the timely delivery of public transport services, schools and open spaces. If approved, the Hansfield plan will ultimately see up to 2,000 homes built in the area. The developers were seeking permission to build on 40 per cent of the total SDZ site. Adamstown, in south Dublin, is the first development to get approval under the SDZ scheme.