A Johnny Ronan firm has been refused planning permission to construct 141 residential units in the Co Wicklow village of Delgany.
In two separate decisions, Wicklow County Council has issued comprehensive refusals to Mr Ronan's J&R Stylebawn Ltd for the mix of apartments and houses on the grounds of Stylebawn House.
One application consists of 20 one-bed apartments and 20 two bed apartments in a five storey block along with works to protected structure, Stylebawn House to provide a four bed house and works to the Gardener's Cottage to provide a two bed house.
The second application comprises 99 residential units concerning eight one bed apartments, 18 two bed apartments, 14 three bed houses and 59 four bed houses.
The council issued the double refusal after local opposition against the schemes with Delgany Community Council along with locals lodging objections.
The council refused planning permission across five grounds and found that the scheme would significantly or unnecessarily alter the natural landscape and topography of the site.
The council also found that the proposed development breached Development Plan density rules and represented overdevelopment of the site.
In response to one refusal, Mr Ronan’s firm has lodged an appeal to An Bord Pleanala concerning 42 units and still has a number of days to lodge an appeal against the second refusal of 99 units for the site at Stylebawn House.
In the appeal, consultants for Mr Ronan, John Spain & Associates state that the scheme provides much needed housing at a sustainable density in close proximity to an existing village centre.
Mr Spain argues that the site "has the capacity to provide for an increased residential density without significantly altering the character of the area".
Mr Spain further contends that the scheme delivers on the national policy of providing increased density within the existing footprint of villages and provides for existing choice and availability of housing in the village.
Mr Spain also states that the scheme is of sympathetic design and is in keeping with the character of the area.
As part of an objection running to 83 pages, BPS Planning Consultants on behalf of Delgany Community Council state that Delgany has experienced rapid growth in the last two years without an accompanying provision of community facilities and transport links.
BPS Planning Consultants also contend that "the level of housing in Greystones/Delgany now exceeds its ability to cope".
