The proposed development of 17 apartments in a six-storey building on Leeson Street, Dublin, is to be opposed by An Taisce and local residents on the basis that it would be out of character with surrounding Georgian and Victorian houses.
The planning application by Ashwalk Ltd, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, proposes construction of 17 residential dwelling units on a gross floor area of 2,007sq m (21,000sq ft) at the junction of Leeson Street Upper and Appian Way.
Residents met the developer last week to discuss the proposed plans for the area and their concerns regarding the height of the residential building and the clearing of a green space.
A spokesman for An Taisce said the organisation would prepare a submission opposing the development on the grounds that it would be out of scale and out of character in the settled and residential area of Leeson Street. He said there was a consistent building height of two to three storeys in an area reputed for its Georgian buildings.
The Green Party's John Gormley said he would be lodging an objection in an effort to retain the character of the Leeson Street area. He believed the case was particularly sensitive and important for residents given the recent debacle surrounding Dartmouth Square.
The park, which was previously open to the public, was bought by a developer for less than €10,800 and subsequently padlocked shut. Dublin City Council has since placed a compulsory purchase order on the park.
PD councillor Wendy Hederman said one aspect of the plans which provided for a tower-like structure was "out of keeping" with the area and should be revised. She said the planning application and objections would be discussed at the first area committee meeting in September, if a decision had not already been made by the council.