Developer Bryan Cullen of Jackson Homes has been given planning permission from An Bord Pleanála for over 300 residential units at Beechpark in Stillorgan despite local opposition.
Twenty-two parties appealed planning permission granted to Jackson Homes by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
The development also includes six autistic people's care units, a 361 sq m (3,886 sq ft) crèche, a 1,401 sq m (15,080 sq ft) gymnasium, and an autistic or elderly persons care unit in 16 blocks ranging from two to eight stories.
It will also involve the demolition of two existing houses, number 1 and 3 Farmleigh Avenue, and three vacant school buildings.
Appellants included three residents' associations: Ardlagh, Roewood and Laurleen Residents Association, and Stillorgan District Community Residents Alliance.
Among the grounds of appeal were the visual impact of the scheme and concerns that its height and density would dominate nearby houses resulting in loss of privacy and natural light.
Another concern was that the demolition of two houses to facilitate an entrance would change the look and balance of Farmleigh and result in the potential devaluation of property.
The removal of mature trees and shrubs in Beechpark, and car-parking provision, were other issues.
However An Bord Pleanála ruled in favour of the development - reducing the number of apartments from more than 400 to 337 with one 42-unit block omitted. The number of car-parking spaces has also been reduced by 81 to around 440.
Bryan Cullen bought the 45-hectare site beside St John of God Hospital more than a year ago for a total of €33 million.
Last October the developer was refused planning permission for a larger development of 437 units in 18 blocks and over 500 car-parking spaces, on the grounds that it had an unacceptable level of finish and "would result in a substandard form of development which would appear visually obtrusive given its prominent location".
Another reason given for the refusal was that all of the traffic which would be generated by the development would be a hazard and endanger public safety.
