Neil Jordan in planning row over neighbour’s garden shelter

Film director Neil Jordan is involved in a planning row with his next-door neighbour at Sorrento Terrace in Dalkey, south Dublin.

Last year, the most expensive home in Dublin was sold at No 2 Sorrento Terrace when it fetched a reported €10.5 million.

Mr Jordan and his wife, Brenda Rawn, are long-time residents ofNo 6 and 7.

The subject of the planning dispute is an enclosed shelter/changing area of 11sq m and 3m high for bathers that was built without planning permission in the rear garden of the Jordans' neighbour Robin Power at No 8.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council opened an enforcement file on the site and last August determined that the development required planning retention.

Alternative Building Solutions applied for retention with the consent of Mr Power, a dentist who developed Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in Dublin in the 1980s.

In November, the council gave the changing area plan the go-ahead in spite of objections lodged by Mr Jordan and Ms Rawn, along with An Taisce.

Ian Lumley of An Taisce told the council the proposed extension was injurious to the architectural composition and design of the terrace.

Mr Jordan and Ms Rawn have now appealed the council decision to An Bord Pleanála.

Consultants for the pair, Reid Associates, claimed there had been a fundamental failure by the applicant for the development to abide by the established rules and guidance for development at the terrace.

The consultants argued that “from its inception, Sorrento Terrace has always conformed to very specific rules to ensure that the design character of the terrace, the protected structures within and the residential amenity of the adjoining neighbours has been preserved and protected”.

They added: “The ad hoc extension of the structure, in the manner carried out, undermines the essential historical character of the structure and surrounding area from many protected viewpoints as well as from the sea.”

Reid Associates also stated that the development “would depreciate the value of property in the vicinity”.

Planning consultants retained by Alternative Business Solutions, RPS, said the modest design of the shelter/changing room would not be visible from Sorrento Road or adjoining properties due to the extensive existing screening and planting.

A decision is due by An Bord Pleanála in April.