An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for developer Sean Dunne's high-rise development in Ballsbridge in Dublin 4.
Mr Dunne wanted to build a high density office, retail and residential development, including a 37-storey tower, on the site of the former Jurys and Berkeley Court hotels.
An Bord Pleanála has given five reasons for refusing planning permission.
They include the scale and height of the development, which An Bord Pleanála says would constitute gross overdevelopment and overintensification of the site.
It said the development would be highly obtrusive and would be at odds with the established character of Ballsbridge.
The Board also said proposals to develop a massive underground shopping centre would divert retail investment and activity away from areas designated for such use, including the city centre.
The Board said it was not satisfied that the proposed development would bring about a high-quality environment for future occupants in areas including wind turbulance, availability of daylight and penetration of sunlight.
Residents call for investigation of City Council
Ballsbridge residents have called for Dublin City Council to be be investigated over its handling of Sean Dunne's high rise development proposals.
Eighteen residents groups issued a statement welcoming the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse permission for proposal, but have questioned why council planning officials were willing to give it the go-ahead.
Although Dublin City Council refused planning permission for the proposed 37-storey tower it did grant permission for a high-density residential and shopping development.
This would have involved six blocks ranging from nine to 18 storeys as well as an underground shopping centre.
In its decision, An Bord Pleanála ruled this was contrary to the city's development plan and inappropiate for the area.
Now local residents want the Minister for the Environment to investigate council planners for what they say was a blatant disregard of proper planning.
The statement added that 'inconsistencies in planning decisions and flexibility in relation to the rules have added fuel to the speculation in land prices and have led to incoherent development, both of which have played a significant part in contributing to the current economic crisis'.
