DUBLIN CITY Council's decision to drop a 37-storey residential tower and an office block from developer Seán Dunne's plan to redevelop the Jurys and Berkeley Court sites in Ballsbridge has called into question the scheme's viability.
Mr Dunne, who agreed to pay €379 million for the properties in autumn 2005, has said he will appeal the planners' decision to An Bord Pleanála, adding that the two hotels - now trading as D4 Hotels - would remain open "for the foreseeable future".
Local residents and public representatives have strongly criticised the decision, which is being issued today, to grant planning permission for six of the proposed eight blocks, including an 18-storey apartment building that would front on to Shelbourne Road.
The planners approved 294 apartments, a 232-bedroom hotel, a shopping centre, an embassy building, cultural centre and a creche. Three apartment blocks along Lansdowne Road have been trimmed in height from 11 to nine storeys. The omission of the tower results in a loss of 182 apartments.
A statement issued on behalf of Mr Dunne's company, Mountbrook, said no development will take place until the two buildings omitted by the planners had been approved, either by An Bord Pleanála or through a revised application to the council.
It said the tower was "an integral element of the proposal and office space is an important part of a mixed-use development". If the appeals board refuses permission, Mountbrook may seek to build more apartments and embassy space.
A group of 14 Ballsbridge residents' associations accused the planners of ignoring many of the guidelines in the Dublin city development plan and said it was highly likely they would also appeal the decision.
Labour councillor and former lord mayor Dermot Lacey said the planners had made "the worst decision" possible. "They've thrown out the 37-storey tower, which was too high but had some architectural merit, and left us with 18-storey blocks with no merit at all."
Mr Lacey said this showed up the inadequacy of the planning process. "The councillors said no, the residents too, and the council's independent advisers also came out against high-rise in Ballsbridge and the planners still went ahead with the granting of permission."
Councillor Paddy McCartan (FG) said the decision defied local opinion, adding "our views just don't seem to count", while PD councillor John Kenny said he hoped that Mr Dunne went on to make "lots and lots of money" but the proposed buildings were too high. A council spokeswoman said it was obliged to make a decision on the application by last Friday and verbally informed the developer. Others who had made submissions would receive letters this week informing them of the decision.
Last month, the planners approved a high-rise scheme by Glenkerrin Homes for the adjoining site of UCD's Veterinary College, including a 15-storey residential tower, three office blocks and other facilities. It is under appeal.