A large period house on Merrion Road, overlooking the grounds of Wanderers Rugby Club, which sold for £1.2 million in April, may be turned into a guesthouse. Crossplan Investments has sought permission for a change of use of the three-storey redbrick with eight bedrooms from residential use to a guesthouse.

Planning is being sought for an extension to the side and rear of the house, and to add a second floor to an existing single-storey building adjoining Wanderers Football Club at the rear of the garden.

It is understood that Pat Halpin, who runs a successful Grade A guesthouse, Aberdeen Lodge, on Park Avenue, Sandy mount, has an involvement in Crossplan. He refused to comment yesterday on the plan.

This side of Merrion Road may see a growing number of hotel and guesthouse developments. The Four Seasons hotel chain is planning a hotel in the former Masonic School, Thomas Prior House, on the corner of Merrion Road and Simmonscourt Road.

Meanwhile, the St John of God Order and Breydon Developments have sought planning permission for 178 apartments, with parking for 600 cars, along with a child health clinic, a day centre and residential care accommodation beside Tallaght Hospital.