Urban RedevelopmentDeveloper Mark Piggott, who last year paid €7.5 million for Redcourt House on Seafield Road East in Clontarf, Dublin 3, has failed in his bid to demolish the house and build 54 apartments.

An Bord Pleanála upheld a decision by Dublin City Council and refused planning permission because the demolition of Redcourt House would contravene zoning which is "to protect and/or improve the amenities of residential conservation areas".

Last year, the developer took High Court proceedings against Dublin City Council over its proposal to add Redcourt House to its list of protected structures. The developer argued that the local authority proposed the house should be added to the record of protected structures against the advice of the conservation officer that the building has no architectural merit. Dublin City Council later consented to an order quashing the proposal.

However, in refusing permission for the development, An Bord Pleanála said the house is an "intrinsic element" of the site. The Bord also said the proposed vehicular entrance at the junction of Seafield Road East and Saint Gabriel's Road would endanger public safety "by reason of traffic hazard".

The sale of the late Victorian house on a 1.65-acre site hit headlines last year when it fetched €3.3 million over its guide price at auction. Originally the house stood on larger grounds but a portion was sold off to build Redcourt Oaks, a neighbouring complex of apartments and duplexes.