An Bord Pleanála has granted permission to UCD to upgrade Belfield Bowl despite an appeal by a local resident that its scale will affect her property.

The university will improve the spectator and playing facilities at Belfield Bowl which will involve incorporating additional seating, bringing the seated capacity to 1,500. The overall capacity will be 4,500.

The works would also involve upgrading floodlights and improved pedestrian access, extending the perimeter fence and relocating sports activities from Belfield Park on Foster's Avenue to the bowl.

Mary Glazier, with an address at Greenfield Park, Donnybrook, appealed planning permission for the development which she said would affect her property because of its scale. Her house is 50 metres from the development and says there are no proposals to screen the stadium from her house.

She expressed concern that Belfield Bowl will be used by rugby and soccer teams, trebling the number of games at the stadium. Her appeal contended that the use of the facility by the soccer club would bring bigger crowds to the venue. The noise, nuisance and disturbance generated by the development were also issues.

However, An Bord Pleanála ruled the development wouldn't seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would not result in a material increase in traffic or car-parking problems along Greenfield Park.