Dalkey housing plan appealed

A proposal by Castle Park primary school in Dalkey, Co Dublin, to build 81 apartments in its grounds has been opposed by local residents.

An Bord Pleanála has received seven appeals from residents groups and individuals who are objecting to the development on the grounds of excessive height, density, overlooking and the impact on the area of increased traffic.

The 2.5-acre portion of the school grounds will be sold to a consortium of developers, led by David Arnold, subject to planning permission being granted.

Industry sources believe the price is in the region of €10 million.

If it goes ahead, the sale of this land will fund a €14 million redevelopment of the school.

Eight of the residents of Castle Close, a cul-de-sac of nine houses where an access to the development is being proposed, say the multi-storey apartments will be "detrimental" to existing residential amenities. It is believed that 5 Castle Close has been acquired by the developer to facilitate access to the proposed development.

The site is zoned "A" to protect and/or improve residential amenity but residents say the density of 61 units per hectare constitutes overdevelopment and the height - rising to seven storeys over basement - will lead to the overlooking and overshadowing of nearby homes.

The residents of Castlelands, a cul-de-sac of 12 houses, where another access road is being proposed, say increased traffic will jeopardise the safety of children playing in the area.

Dalkey Community Council pointed to the potential impact of a residential development on the school, a protected 19th century castellated structure, and said the development was out of scale with surrounding development.

If the development goes ahead the proceeds will fund a revamp of the existing school and the creation of new teaching and sporting facilities on its 17-acre site.

The proposed housing development will comprise 18 townhouses and 63 apartments, rising to seven storeys, on the perimeter of the school grounds.