More planning news in brief.

Ronan's plan for Fitzwilliam

Treasury Holdings developer Johnny Ronan is seeking planning permission from Dublin City Council to refurbish 65 Fitzwilliam Square North, Dublin 2. As well as work to the roof and external façade, he is looking to restore the original windows and repair the plasterwork and planning to install a new kitchen.

Last year Ronan caused a stir when it emerged that he bought the freehold to Fitzwilliam Square. Residents were concerned that he would build an underground car park beneath the square's communal gardens. Ronan denied having any plans for a car park but said he wanted to enhance the park and improve its layout.

D16 apartment plan rejected

A proposal to build over 300 apartments on Harold's Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, has been shot down by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Developer Rod McGovern wanted to demolish seven houses and build 301 apartments and duplexes, a creche, neighbourhood shop and cafe in six blocks rising to seven storeys. The local authority has ruled that its layout and design, bulk, height, scale and density "would be visually incongruous at this location". The development would "fail to provide a high standard of amenity for future occupants" because of the proximity of balconies to major roads, it said.