A plan by Terenure Hebrew Congregation to build a replacement synagogue and an apartment development at Rathfarnham Road, Dublin 6W has been challenged by two local residents. Edel Morgan reports.

Dublin City Council granted permission for the new 292-seat synagogue, large enough to house the two Orthodox Jewish congregations which amalgamated several years ago. It also approved a development of 26 apartments in three blocks - reduced in a planning condition from 35.

Another condition required that one block be reduced in height from four to three storeys and that the other two be shortened in length to create more open space for the apartments.

The proposal also included a 35-space basement car-park for residents and the demolition of the existing synagogue, caretaker's lodge, security kiosk and gates, and two single storey storage sheds.

Two appeals were lodged to An Bord Pleanála, one by a resident of Wasdale Park, Terenure who said he had no objection to the development in principle but objected to windows and balconies in two blocks and their balconies which face towards his property. He said this would result in overlooking, loss of privacy and reduce the value of his property.

Another local with an address at Rathfarnham Road said two of the blocks would overlook her property resulting in a loss of privacy and that a four-storey apartment building in this location is "ridiculous". She feared she would lose the privacy she has enjoyed for over 40 years and said, while she is "not against change", the development is unsuitable for the location.

In a first party appeal the Trustees of Terenure Hebrew Congregation said the condition requiring a reduction of nine apartment units would constitute an inefficient use of a town centre site close to Terenure village, well-serviced by public transport and recreational parkland.

It also appealed a condition requiring that the pedestrian gate to the scheme be left open for public access, saying it is "unacceptable" because of the "unique security arrangements" for the synagogue.

Regarding car-parking requirements for the synagogue, it said it is traditional for the Saturday congregation to walk to the Synagogue and there would be no more than 10 cars parked on the site at a time.

It said the car-park would only be fully utilised on special days, like the Day of Atonement, and during celebrations, like weddings and bar mitzvahs.

It said access to car-parking would be controlled by lockable bollards to ensure this area will be used exclusively by the congregation, not residents, and there would be designated car-parking for the Rabbi and administration staff of the synagogue and community hall.