An apartment scheme off the M11 near Bray in Co Wicklow has been refused permission because the "extreme noise levels" coming from the motorway would have a negative impact on future residents.

A noise level assessment carried out at the Love Lane site 1.5kms west of Bray stated that noise at the site was in the highest noise category.

The report, carried out by an environmental health officer (EHO) for the council, said that the noise climate was so severe that, even with special measures, it would be difficult to achieve acceptable levels of noise. He recommended that the scheme be refused.

The EHO noted that, if the scheme got the go-ahead, under the environmental Noise Directive Action Plan, which is due to come into effect in the next few years, the council would be responsible for coming up with a scheme to reduce what would "certainly be among the highest noise levels in Dublin".

Developer George Wilkin sought permission for 91 apartments in nine blocks at the 1.7-hectare site near the Fassaroe interchange. The scheme had a setback of only 25-35 metres from the edge of the motorway.

Wicklow County Council, like many local authorities, has a mandatory development setback of 137 metres from the motorway, but Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council does not. This is to allow flexibility in urban areas where speed limits are lower and noise levels are less obtrusive.

A residential scheme across the road from the Love Lane site, Diamond Valley, was given the go-ahead by the council. This scheme is setback significantly from the motorway.