Plans to redevelop the well-known Dublin pub Lamb Doyle's as an apartment scheme have been refused by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council because the development would be "visually unappealing".

Lamb Doyle's is located on Blackglen Road, in Sandyford, which has been the site for several large residential developments in recent years.

The owners of the pub were seeking to demolish the existing two-storey pub and construct 41 apartments, two shops and a bar and restaurant on the site.

The scheme was to be built in three blocks ranging in height between three and five storeys.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, however, has refused permission stating that the development was not of a high quality in terms of architectural merit and design and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

"It is considered that the proposal would be visually unappealing and would not be absorbed well into the amenities of property in the vicinity," the council's decision stated.

The proposed development, because it fails to take into account the council's plans for the junction of Blackglen Road and Woodside Road, would "endanger public safety by reason of a road hazard or obstruction of road users or otherwise".

There were 13 objectors to the scheme including An Taisce and local residents.