Planning&Development: A Galway construction firm has got the green light to build a nine-storey apartment and retail scheme at the Iceland site on Lower George's Street, Dún Laoghaire by An Bord Pleanála.

Construction of the €50 million mixed-use development, which will include 83 apartments, will begin early in 2005, according to the developers John O'Dolan and Joseph Hynes of Anglo Construction.

The scheme will involve the demolition of 117 to 121 Lower George's Street (currently occupied by Iceland and Universal Lighting) and 17 to 18 George's Place (derelict and semi-detached dwellings) and replacing it with apartments and two retail units. The development met with much local opposition and a total of eight appeals were lodged to the planning board, most outlining concern about overlooking, overshadowing and lack of car-parking.

In its report, An Bord Pleanála noted that the development is in contrast to other properties adjacent to it, which are predominantly two-storey dwellings.

However, in granting permission the board stated that the development "would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience".

The board, however, did rule that four of the apartments be amalgamated into two apartments. Amendments to some of the balconies were also recommended. Eighty-five car-parking spaces and 40 bicycle spaces will be provided.

The developers had previously sought to build a larger project with 112 apartments, some with vies over Dún Laoghaire harbour.

John O'Dolan and Joseph Hynes bought the site in Dún Laoghaire for around €10 million in 2003 from Brookgate Developers.