Appeals board gives green light to ‘Silicon Docks’ style scheme of 181 apartments over seven floors at Harold’s Cross

An Bord Pleanála has given the green light to contentious plans for a 181-unit apartment development – dubbed a Silicon Docks-style scheme – for Harold’s Cross in Dublin.

The planning permission by the appeals board overturns the decision by Dublin City Council to refuse planning permission to Adroit Company Ltd for the large scale residential (LRD) scheme that consists of four apartment blocks rising between four and seven storeys at Harold’s Cross Road.

The council refused planning permission due to flooding concerns and access issues.

Over 40 submissions were lodged in respect of the LRD scheme when it was before the council – and in his submission, the owner of the Mount Jerome crematorium, Alan Massey of Gate Lodge, Mount Jerome stated that “this proposed development looks like a modern Silicon Docks development of the Dublin Port area that has landed in Harold’s Cross. It is totally out of character with the immediate and surrounding area.”

Now, the appeals board has granted planning permission after Adroit lodged a comprehensive 123-page appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

Consultants for Adroit, Armstrong Fenton Associates, argued that the refusal was unwarranted and the delivery of the scheme will take place in tandem with a flood alleviation programme.

The Harold’s Cross Village Community Council and the residents of Parnell Road were just two of 11 parties to restate their opposition to the scheme.

In dealing with the reason for the council refusal, the appeals board has imposed a condition that no part of the scheme shall be occupied until the completion of the River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme.

As part of her 115-page report into the case, appeals board inspector Irené McCormack said the proposed density complies with government policy to increase densities on under-utilised lands within core urban areas, in order to promote consolidation and compact growth, prevent further sprawl and address the challenges of climate change.

Ms McCormack also stated that the scheme will introduce a new form and height to the area.

She said: “I am satisfied that the proposed building heights and their stepped arrangements will avoid any abrupt transitions in scale and height from neighbouring residential dwellings.”

The board stated that the scheme is located at a well-served urban location.

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