THE plan submitted by Ogden for the Phoenix Park race-course differs radically, at least in layout, from an earlier scheme for which permission was sought in September 1994. That scheme was withdrawn after strong protests from 101 residents, and reservations by Fingal's planners.
Ogden's planning consultants, Fenton Simons and Dr Brian Meehan, point out in their submission to An Bord Pleanala that the buildings have been scaled down - particularly the hotel, which has been reduced from 25 storeys to eight - and the site plan completely altered with much more landscaping.
Essentially, the major facilities have been switched around. The stadium and indoor arena have been moved to the western end of the site, with the hotel, casino and conference centre at the eastern end. Between them is an expansive landscaped area of almost 30 acres containing an artificial lake.
In the original scheme, designed by US architects Ellerbe Beckett, the buildings were distributed almost randomly around the site. The latest version, by Dublin architects Burke-Kennedy Doyle and Partners, is more structured and considered and takes on board at least some of the concerns voiced by objectors.
All existing trees on the race-course would be retained as well as Ashtown House and its gate lodge, which were to be demolished under the 1994 plan.