Cairn Homes Denied Approval for 280-Unit Development in South West Dublin

Dublin Planning Commission Rejects Cairn Homes’ 280-Home Newcastle Progress

Newcastle,Co Dublin – A planning request by developer Cairn Homes for a 280-unit residential development in Newcastle South,Co Dublin,has been rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála (the Planning Commission). The decision brings to a close a three-year application process for the project, submitted directly to the commission as a strategic housing development in June 2022.

The proposed development encompassed 8.5 hectares and included a mix of housing types: 128 houses (predominantly three-bedroom),116 apartments housed in two five-storey buildings,and 36 duplex units spread across three three-storey buildings. Plans included 423 parking spaces and provision for 370 bicycles, alongside planned green spaces and amenities.

Though, Planning Commissioner Paul Caprani refused permission citing fundamental flaws in the applicationS supporting documentation.The core issue stemmed from inaccuracies in the Environmental Impact Assessment report (EIAR) and Natura impact Statement (NIS). Caprani’s direction highlighted that a meaningful portion of the proposed development site is already under construction as part of a separate, ongoing residential project.

This existing construction, the commissioner argued, meant granting permission based on the submitted plans would necessitate alterations, and perhaps demolition, of already-built homes. This would directly contradict the South Dublin County Council Development Plan’s emphasis on retrofitting existing structures over demolition and reconstruction.

Further concerns raised in the refusal notice included a lack of sufficient architectural variety in the proposed apartment blocks,which was deemed likely to negatively impact the visual appeal and residential quality of the surrounding area.

The decision reflects concerns previously voiced by local councillors in mid-2022 regarding the pace of growth in Newcastle. Numerous public bodies were consulted throughout the planning process.

Cairn Homes has been contacted for comment. This rejection marks a setback for the developer, despite having secured approval for two other applications in the area during the three-year period.

What are the key infrastructure concerns that led to An Bord Pleanála’s refusal of Cairn Homes’ Lucan development?

Cairn Homes’ 280-Unit South West Dublin Development Blocked: What Residents & Investors Need to Know

Planning Refusal Details: The Lucan Site

Cairn Homes’ ambitious plans for a 280-unit residential development in Lucan, South West Dublin, have been met with a significant setback. an Bord Pleanála, Ireland’s planning appeals board, has officially denied planning permission for the project, citing concerns over infrastructure capacity and impact on local services.The proposed development,located on lands adjacent to the Esker Cemetery,was a key component of Cairn’s expansion strategy in the Dublin commuter belt. This refusal impacts the supply of new homes in the area and raises questions about future development potential in Lucan.

Key Reasons for the Planning Decision

Several factors contributed to An Bord Pleanála’s decision. The primary concerns, as outlined in the official refusal notice, include:

Traffic Congestion: Existing traffic levels in Lucan are already high, and the proposed development was deemed likely to exacerbate congestion, notably during peak hours. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the road network to support an additional 280 households.

School capacity: Local schools are operating near capacity, and the planning board expressed reservations about the ability of existing educational facilities to accommodate the influx of new students.

Drainage & Wastewater Infrastructure: The existing wastewater treatment infrastructure was identified as a potential constraint, with concerns about its capacity to handle the increased demand from the new development.Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) were deemed insufficient in the submitted plans.

Impact on Amenity: Objections were lodged regarding the potential impact of the development on the amenity value of the nearby Esker Cemetery and surrounding green spaces.

Impact on the Dublin Housing Market

This refusal represents a notable loss of potential housing supply in a market already grappling with a severe housing shortage. Dublin’s housing crisis continues to drive up property prices and rents, and the loss of 280 units will undoubtedly add to the pressure.

Reduced Supply: The immediate effect is a reduction in the number of new homes available in the South West Dublin area.

Potential Price Increases: Limited supply often leads to increased competition and, consequently, higher property prices. Expect continued upward pressure on house prices in Lucan and surrounding areas.

Impact on Cairn Homes: The refusal will likely impact Cairn Homes’ financial performance and development pipeline. The company will need to reassess its plans for the site and potentially explore choice development options.

Knock-on Effects for Renters: The lack of new housing supply will continue to fuel competition in the rental market, potentially leading to higher rents.

Local Resident Reactions & Objections

The planning refusal has been largely welcomed by local residents who had actively campaigned against the development. A significant number of objections were submitted to An Bord Pleanála, highlighting concerns about the aforementioned issues.

Lucan Residents Association: The Lucan Residents Association played a key role in coordinating opposition to the development, organizing public meetings and submitting detailed objections.

Focus on Infrastructure: Residents consistently emphasized the need for improved infrastructure before any further large-scale development could be considered.

Community Concerns: The objections reflected a broader concern about the impact of rapid development on the quality of life in Lucan.

Cairn Homes’ Response & Potential Next Steps

cairn Homes has acknowledged the decision and is currently reviewing the details of the refusal notice. The company has several options available:

1. Appeal to the High Court: Cairn Homes could seek a judicial review of An Bord Pleanála’s decision in the High Court, challenging the legality of the planning refusal.
2. Revised Planning Application: The company could submit a revised planning application,addressing the concerns raised by An Bord Pleanála. this would likely involve significant modifications to the original plans, potentially reducing the number of units or incorporating additional infrastructure improvements.
3. Land Sale: Cairn Homes could decide to sell the land to another developer, who may have a different approach to addressing the planning challenges.

Future Development Prospects in Lucan

Despite this setback, Lucan remains a desirable location for residential development due to its proximity to Dublin city center and its relatively affordable property prices. However, future development will likely face increased scrutiny from An Bord Pleanála and local residents.

Infrastructure Investment: Significant investment in infrastructure – including roads, schools, and wastewater treatment facilities – will be crucial to support future growth.

Sustainable Development: Future developments will need to prioritize sustainable design principles and incorporate robust environmental mitigation measures.

Community Engagement: Developers will need to engage proactively with local communities to address concerns and build support for their projects.

Relevant Keywords:

Dublin Housing, Cairn Homes, Lucan Development, an Bord Pleanála, Planning Refusal, South West Dublin, Housing Crisis, Irish Property Market, Residential Development, Infrastructure Capacity, Sustainable Drainage, New Homes, property Prices, Rental Market, lucan Residents Association.