AroundtheBlock: Watch out for an almighty row that's brewing between the housebuilding industry and the entrenched executive of An Bord Pleanála.
Ken MacDonald, head of new homes specialists Hooke & MacDonald, is leading the charge against the Bord which has left many developers dumbfounded by its decisions blocking a number of large scale new housing developments across the city. The developers are hopeful of enlisting Government support to put the Bord in its place, after a string of high profile refusals, including that of Knockrabo in Dublin 14 where Niall Mellon and O'Malley Construction have been given the thumbs down for 528 apartments and houses. Ken MacDonald, who everyone agrees is the real authority on the new homes market, has been compiling the facts which show that there was a shortfall of 6,000 new homes in the Dublin area last year. Even more controversial is his conclusion that the Bord's approach to planning is at odds with Government housing policy. Most surprising is the finding that in 2004, the Bord overturned one-in-three decisions by local authorities - blocking more than 9,000 new homes ithe process. While housebuilders and their architects are clearly aggrieved at the Bord's perceived arrogance most of those affected may be reluctant to go on the record fearing that their next six applications will be binned. The Bord is obviously going to come under enormous pressure, particularly if prices continue to rise in areas where building is at a standstill.
Strong sales for starters
If anyone is doubtful about the strength of the demand for new homes then think again after last weekend's sellouts in Swords and Enfield, Co Meath. David Daly's Albany Group hit the jackpot at Abbeystone, another phase of Gorse Hill and Feltrim Manor, selling no less than 145 units to mainly first-time buyers. It a exceptionally strong result for a site that's a little off the beaten track, and at a time of year when builders are still warming up for the new selling season. Ronan O'Driscoll of HOK expected a good result, but even he was overwhelmed by the turnout for the apartments and houses which started at €229,000 for one-bed units and rose to €349,000 for three-bed houses. It was much the same story in the Meath border village of Enfield where Property Team Carey Auctioneers had to deal with a long queue for its three-bed homes which were pitched around €300,000. Clearly there's going to be a shortage this year of these conventional-style starter homes now that there has been a big swing towards apartments.
FA Cup for Dublin
The FA Cup is flying to Dublin next week - and the organisers of its trip have booked it a seat of its own with Aer Lingus. It will be accompanied by Arsenal FC's managing director Keith Edelman and former Arsenal FA Cup winner Liam Brady, on a flying visit for a photo opportunity - at a secret location - to promote a luxury apartment development at Highbury Square. Footie fans and investors will get a chance to buy homes in this scheme, launched in the UK last October, at a property exhibition in the Westbury Hotel in Dublin from February 3rd-5th. About 20 Irish investors, who couldn't wait for the Irish launch, have already bought units costing from €420,000 in the development - The Stadium - to be built in Arsenal's ground at Highbury.
