First Active Building Society has had yet another setback. An Bord Pleanala has just refused to allow the society to provide a four-storey extension over a double-storey underground car park at its headquarters building, Shekan House, at Booterstown Avenue, Co Dublin.

In the city centre, Bewley's has been refused permission by the city planners to change the use of its ground floor premises at 19/20 Fleet Street from a cafe to a licensed premises. In Limerick, the planning appeals board has blocked a plan by Kenny Builders to develop 222 houses and develop a new road junction at Newcastle, Castletroy, Limerick. Allerstone Ltd has also failed in its attempt to get approval for 94 two-storey houses at Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford.

Also unsuccessful with the board was Opengrove, which had sought permission for 75 apartments in four blocks at Cranmer Lane, Beggars Bush, Dublin 4.