'Too tall' 35-storey hotel plan rejected

PLANNING permission for what would have been the country's tallest hotel has been refused by Dublin City Council.

Treasury Holdings had planned to build a 35-storey, 152-metre hotel to serve the National Conference Centre, which is currently being constructed in the Docklands, but the city council has shot the hotel plans down, saying the building is too tall.

The proposed hotel was described as a "landmark indicator" when permission was sought last December.

A number of parties, including businessman Dermot Desmond, An Taisce and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, objected.

In a submission, Mr Desmond said the plan was "completely incongruous" and he warned against allowing "the desired financial return of any developer to be a valid planning consideration".

Treasury Holdings had planned to build on a site of less than 0.20 hectares at North Wall Quay/Guild Street on Spencer Dock.

The project included a 427-bedroom hotel, with a fitness centre/spa including swimming pool, cafe/meeting area and wintergarden deck area on the 16th floor.

Excessive

"The proposed development by virtue of its excessive height at 152m, the current policy provisions of the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011, and having regard to the current Dublin Docklands Development Authority Plan would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," the council's decision said.

Treasury Holdings were not available for comment, but the decision to deny them planning permission could be appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

Paul Melia
Irish Independent

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