A framework plan for the development of the Sandyford Industrial Estate is to be initiated following concerns raised by An Bord Pleanála about a shortage of parks in the area.
Councillors in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council voted to accept the county manager's proposal to develop an urban framework plan after An Bord Pleanála raised concerns about planning developments in the estate.
The council's planning department received a letter from the board in which it stated it was concerned about the cumulative impact of high-density residential development already approved or proposed for the estate.
"The board has noted the congested nature of the local network, the capacity of public transport, including the Luas system, and the relatively restricted connectivity of the estate with the wider area," the letter said.
"The absence of a clear strategy for provision of public open spaces, including parks and playgrounds, to serve the immediate needs of this area is of concern."
The board asked the council if there was an intention to draw up a local area plan. The letter was sent in the context of a planning application for 259 apartments, before the board since August 2005.
County manager Owen Keegan told councillors last night that the council was committed to producing an urban framework plan, a plan that deals with many of the issues covered by a local area plan but that does not have a statutory footing and does not require a strategic environmental assessment. "The council is satisfied this plan will provide the clarification and reassurance requested by the board and, more importantly, will address the concerns raised by various third parties in relation to the intensive development of the estate," he said.
Labour councillor Denis O'Callaghan argued that whatever was done, it should be done quickly. A motion to prepare a local area plan for the estate was rejected and councillors agreed that the county manager should proceed with the preparation of an urban framework plan.
