Decision on student accommodation in Dundalk appealed

Louth County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a student accommodation development at Hoey’s Lane in Dundalk has been appealed to An Bord Coimisiún.

Wildwood Homes Limited was refused planning permission at the beginning of July for the development at Hoey's Lane, which comprised the construction of a student accommodation building, incorporating 60 student bedrooms with associated facilities for residential use within the building as student accommodation.

The proposed building height would range from part single storey to three storey, with the developer also proposing the provision of external communal space areas.

Along with seeking the go ahead for the provision of an external bicycle store building and a bin store building, Wildwood Homes also proposed associated parking facilities and the creation of a new vehicular and pedestrian access from Hoey’s Lane with associated works.

Louth County Council made the decision to refuse planning permission for the development on 3 July, giving three reasons in its decision.

In its decision, Louth County Council said that “having regard to the scale, height and massing of the proposed development on a constrained infill site within an established residential area and having regard to the proximity of the proposed building to adjoining properties, the Planning Authority considers that the proposal would constitute overdevelopment of the site.

“The proposal would result in an unduly dominant and overbearing form of development that would adversely impact upon the visual amenities of the area and would give rise to unacceptable levels of overlooking and loss of privacy for adjoining residential properties.”

It also said that “the subject site is located on lands zoned as ‘A1 - Existing residential’, with an objective to protect and enhance the amenity and character of existing residential communities. Student accommodation is not identified as either generally permitted or a use open for consideration within the A1 zoning category .

“The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated the proposed purpose-built student accommodation development would be compatible with the established residential character of the area or would protect and enhance the amenities of existing residents.”

The local planning authority further added that, “the applicant has failed to satisfactorily demonstrate that the proposed development would provide an acceptable and safe arrangement in terms of vehicular access, sightlines, junction design, parking provision and compliance with the requirements of the Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied).

“In the absence of sufficient information, the Planning Authority is not satisfied that the proposed development would not prejudice traffic safety or result in an unacceptable impact on the local road network. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to theproper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Wildwood Homes Limited lodged an appeal against the decision with An Bord Coimisiún on 30 July. The case is due to be decided by 2 December 2026.