Bord says yes to D6 plan

An Bord Pleanála has approved developer Brian M Durkan's proposal to build a residential scheme at Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6, despite local opposition due to its location within the River Dodder Conservation Area.

Durkan has been granted permission to build 13 apartments and eight houses in two blocks on the 0.96-acre site.

The block of terraced houses will be located 15-20 metres behind the four-storey apartment building and set back around seven metres from the top of Orwell bank.

The development was referred to the planning board by Dodder Walk Environment Group, Orwell Park Residents Group, Brian Kennedy and Paul Mackay.

Among their concerns was that the site is located within the River Dodder Conservation Area, and that the buildings' scale, bulk height and proximity to the River Dodder Conservation Area would be visually dominant when viewed from the riverside walk and Orwell Weir.

They also said that the proposed scheme it would constitute overdevelopment of the site, exacerbate traffic congestion and that there is insufficient car-parking provision.

An Bord Pleanála granted permission on condition that one of the blocks is reduced in height by a metre. It said the development would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and not injure the amenities of the area.