Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has given the green light to contentious plans for 109 residential "assisted living" units for people aged 65 and over on lands owned by the Society of Sacred Heart order of nuns beside Mount Anville girls schools in Goatstown.
The Council has granted planning permission to Tetrarch Residential Ltd for the Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) that comprises 109 units after the applicants removed five units from the original 114-unit scheme proposed on a 2.9-acre site known as the "old farm", on the grounds of Mount Anville in south Dublin.
The Council has granted planning permission after concluding that "the development would not detract from the amenities of the area and is consistent with the provisions of the current Development Plan".
The planning authority has given the go-ahead for the scheme despite some local opposition.
A spokesman for Tetrarch Residential said that it "is very pleased that planning permission has been granted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for this much-needed assisted living development on lands at Mount Anville".
The planning report which recommended that planning permission be granted concluded that the height and form of the reduced scheme will not have a negative or domineering impact on the setting of the Old Farmhouse.
The report also concluded that the form of the proposed development around the Walled Garden is sympathetic in design and scale, opening up the use of that area to the public.
However, in one submission, 49 residents of the Old Lower Kilmacud Road state that they while they support of 'mixed tenure age friendly housing' they are objecting to the proposal.
The residents stated that the scheme represents a premature development of the Mount Anville estate arguing that "the development of any part of the Estate, including the Old Farm, should not be permitted in the absence of plan" for the lands.
The residents stated that the lands should not developed in a piecemeal manner "in the absence of a masterplan that guides and assesses the cumulative impact of the development of the Mount Merrion estate lands".
The Tetrarch Residential spokesman said "at Tetrarch Residential we believe that there is a clear and increasing requirement for the delivery of high-quality, age-friendly residential developments throughout the country.
He added: "We plan to play a key role in meeting the needs of those older persons who would like to have the option, as they age, of availing of bespoke housing solutions designed and managed specifically for them.
The spokesman said: "The proposed development at Mount Anville will offer those aged 65 and over an opportunity to right-size from family homes in the locality to a new, high quality, low maintenance and secure property that better matches their requirements, should they wish to do so.
He said: "It will also ensure that those who need a level of support to live independently can do so and are not otherwise fully reliant on family care, the health system and other State services. Instead, they will be able to access the right level of assistance and support while also being part of a vibrant and supportive residential community comprised entirely of their peers.
The spokesman said: "The Mount Anville scheme and other similar projects we are working on are designed to give older persons the chance to stay in and remain completely connected to their local communities. We look forward to creating an outstanding residential community for older persons at Mount Anville once the planning process concludes."
Reporting by Gordon Deegan
