Decision to refuse planning for 39 apartments in Dundalk goes to appeal
Appeal made to An Bord Pleanála
The decision by Louth County Council to refuse planning permission for or a development at the former Rice's Timber Yard at Seatown, that would have seen 39 new apartments built, has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
The local authority refused planning permission to Liza Halpin in November 2022 for the development on the site at 19 Seatown Place in Dundalk. Planning was originally sought for 44 apartments in a development built in the form of a new six storey apartment building which would contain 40 apartments, and the conversion of an existing two storey brick building to contain the remaining four apartments.
The site of the proposed development was bounded to the north by Seatown Place and the rear of numbers 20 to 24 Seatown Place, to the south by the Ramparts River, and the east and west by lands and the rear gardens of properties fronting Seatown Place.
Following the request by Louth County Council for further information in relation to the development in April 2022, significant changes were made, including reducing the proposed height from six storeys to five and a reduction in the number of apartments to 39.
A number of submissions had been made objecting to the development, including from St Vincent's School, Dundalk Tennis, Badminton and Squash Club, and Seatown Place Residents c. Downey Planning.
Louth County Council made the decision to refuse planning permission for the development on 25 November 2022. In refusing planning permission, the local authority referred to the height of the development, saying that typical heights for buildings in the Seatown Character Area were typically 2.5 to four storey in height.
The local authority also said that the revised plans do not address concerns of the Planning Authority with regards to the negative impact to the Jocelyn Street / Seatown Place Architectural Conservation Area. It further added that the proposed disposition of public open space and car parking is considered to detract from the residential amenity for future occupants.
Ms Halpin lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála on 21 December 2022 with the case due to be decided by 4 May 2023.