Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has just approved plans for a residential scheme and a bowling alley on land that once formed part of the Airfield urban farm in Dundrum.

Ciarán and Colum Butler, former owners of Stillorgan Bowl and Leisureplex, have been given permission to develop a 1.4-hectare site known as Dudley's Field, which was sold by the Airfield Trust in 2005 for over €16 million.

Planners at the council have given permission for the scheme attaching 20 conditions, none of which require modification to the design or layout of the scheme, which incorporates five pavilion buildings of up to five storeys on the site.

The Airfield Estate was the former home of Letitia and Naomi Overend.

The sisters left their property in trust after their death for the benefit of future generations of Dubliners. It is now run as an urban farm and educational centre.

The site due to be developed is on Overend Way, formally known as the Wyckham Way extension, which is next to the Ballaly Luas station and close to Dundrum Town Centre.

The Butler brothers intend to build 62 two and three-bedroom apartments, with views over Airfield lands, on the site.

The scheme will also incorporate a bowling alley, a deli, crèche, play area and health spa.

The majority of the leisure element of the scheme will be located underground.

The contemporary scheme, designed by Burke-Kennedy Doyle Architects, incorporates stone, plaster and glass.

Some 136 car-parking spaces will be included at the scheme and a new public entrance to the Airfield Estate will be provided via Overend Way.

There was much local criticism of the scheme and close to 30 letters of objection were lodged with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

The Butlers operate the Leisureplex chain which includes bowling alleys in Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Stillorgan, Coolock and Cork city centre.

The duo sold Stillorgan Bowl and Leisureplex to Treasury Holdings for €65 million last year.