Dartry House plan approved

Developer Eugene Renehan has got planning permission from Dublin City Council to build a residential development around Dartry House, a large Victorian house in Rathgar.

He will build 67 units, comprising 59 apartments in four four-storey blocks and eight apartments in converted outbuildings at Orwell Park, Dublin 6.

The property, set on 3.9 acres at Orwell Park, was previously owned by the Mill Hill Missionaries who operated St Joseph's retirement and residential centre from the site. Renehan purchased it for around €30 million in 2005.

The scheme will involve the demolition of all buildings to the north of Dartry House on the site.

The council granted planning permission despite objections by several parties. The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board said the development potentially encroaches upon the River Dodder's main channel. It says the Dodder system is "exceptional" among urban river systems in the area in supporting Atlantic salmon, sea trout and brown trout."

Rathgar Residents Association said the density and massing of the scheme is out of character with the integrated Victorian architectural character of Orwell Park. It also has concerns abut the impact of the development on Dartry House, a protected structure.

Earlier this year An Bord Pleanála refused Renehan permission to build 83 apartments on the site. Last April the planning board refused permission for the scheme because it would interfere with the setting of Dartry House.

One of the conditions imposed by Dublin City Council is that the formal gardens to Dartry House shall remain open to members of the public between 7.30am and 10pm.