Greystones group rejects board's scaled-back plan

The Greystones Protection and Development Association (GPDA) in Co Wicklow has said it will continue to oppose a commercial and residential development at Greystones after An Bord Pleanála asked the developers to scale it back.

Development backers Wicklow County Council and its private sector partners John Sisk and Park Developments were told by the board to reduce the number of apartments in the scheme. The board said the bulk of the 375 home development created an unacceptable change from the local architecture and urban design.

It also said it was not satisfied detailed design of a cement batching plant should be submitted at a later stage; it "might not" be satisfied with the approach to an old unlicensed dump located on the site; it was not satisfied "beach nourishment" material could be brought on site by road on an ongoing basis; and it was concerned at the possibility of traffic congestion.

The GPDA had opposed the scheme - which includes the redevelopment of a crumbling Victorian harbour - largely on the grounds that it was too big.

Yesterday, the association said it was still not satisfied with the scaled-back scheme and uncertainty about the revised number of apartments. It has called for a public meeting at Greystones rugby club at 8pm tonight.

Association spokesman Fiachra Etchingham said the public would be asked to comment on the revised plans and should make use of the opportunity.

"The community united to resist the original proposals at the oral hearing earlier in the year. Now we must again send a strong signal to An Bord Pleanála and our local TDs that we will not accept the destruction of the harbour for commercial gain," he said.

Mr Etchingham went on to congratulate the community on its success in the oral hearing in April. "The strength of the community's response clearly had a major impact on the board. It is important that we maintain that momentum and I would appeal to all residents to attend."

The meeting will also discuss some of the rezonings proposed for inclusion in the Draft Greystones Local Area Plan.