SD21A/0179
Removal of selected hedging, the removal of the existing 52 car parking spaces and the construction of a 4-storey apartment building with setbacks at third floor level, total 14 apartments comprising of 1 one-bedroom, 11 two bedroom; 2 three bedroom apartments, all with associated private open spaces areas in the form of balconies; access to the development from existing vehicular and pedestrian entrance from Leixlip Road (R835) and from proposed new vehicular and pedestrian access from Ardeevin Drive; all with associated landscaped courtyard at ground floor level, sedum roof (main roof), bicycle storage, bin storage, signage, associated drainage and site development works (Protected Structure RPS No. 094).
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to its excessive height, scale, and massing being incongruous with the established low-rise residential character of Ardeevin Drive, coupled with significant traffic safety concerns arising from hazardous access arrangements and restricted sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 4-storey height and massing of the apartment block is domineering and jarring when viewed from Ardeevin Drive, failing to respect the 1.5-storey prevailing character of the immediate residential context.
- Access arrangements from the narrow Ardeevin Drive cul-de-sac are inadequate for service and emergency vehicles, necessitating hazardous multi-point turning movements that endanger public safety.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate clear and unobstructed visibility sightlines at the primary entrance on Leixlip Road (R835), representing a significant traffic hazard.