Planning issues – Application Reference: D16A/0370
- The proposed development is over 15,800 sq. meters, versus 5200 sq. meters approved for Flanagans on a similar size site, within 40 meters of a playground, near a school and a church. The site is bounded on three sides by mature residential structures of one and two stories in height and when taken in conjunction with the Flanagan site completely alters the landscape of the area
- I/We are absolutely opposed to a supermarket and other retail stores on this site because the retail needs of the area are more than adequately served. There is currently 2,000 sq. meters of retail space in Mount Merrion: the Union Cafe plan will add a further 2625 sq. meters. Traffic from outside Mount Merrion to this facility will dramatically add to the existing overloaded road system.
- A similar proposal was put forward by the Flanagan’s site owners in 2013 was refused permission.
- The site of the proposed development at Kiely’s is different from Flanagan’s in that the height, mass and aesthetic of the proposed development is dramatically different to the existing footprint on the site. My\our position is that the proposed development is completely over scaled and will have a serious negative impact on the wider built environment of Mount Merrion.
- The existing building on the site whilst far from ideal went some way towards being sympathetic towards its surroundings with its tiled hipped roof which is in keeping with the local environment.
- Deerpark Road and Wilson Road have just over 100 houses in total – development of these two sites (Flanagans and Union Café) will almost double the total number of residential units in this part of Mount Merrion.
- The roads in Mount Merrion cannot facilitate truck or heavy van traffic. The issue is that the roads cannot take the turning circle of 40 ft. containers without mounting the footpaths. The proximity to the school and the safety aspects of big trucks manoeuvring is particularly worrying for residents. The traffic survey submitted by the promoters is neither objective or independent.
- The views of Dublin Bay/Howth Head from any part of Deerpark itself in danger of being obliterated by High-rise buildings. Currently this location has the best panoramic views of the Northern Shoreline of Dublin Bay and are protected in the county development plan.
- This site presents a wonderful opportunity to create a development of truly beautiful low rise high spec housing units. I/We are fully supportive of sustainable and balanced development which is sympathetic to the local environment and architecture.