Developer will reapply to build €2bn Bray complex

THE developers who want to build a €2bn residential and shopping centre in Bray, Co Wicklow, have said they intend to reapply for planning permission in the next year.

Pizarro Developments said that An Bord Pleanala's refusal of permission did not mean the plan would not go ahead. On Tuesday, the board refused permission for the ambitious development - which would "rival Dundrum shopping centre" in scale - until the road network was upgraded and flood protection works put in place. The company was granted planning permission last year by Bray Town Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to build the complex. Bray has a flooding problem and the developers agreed to pay for the flood protection "within reasonable limits". But a scheme is still at the design stage. A Pizarro spokesman said a fresh application would be lodged when the plans for the roads and flood protection were finalised.

PAUL MELIA
Irish Independent

Board says no to €2bn complex

A CONTROVERSIAL multi-million euro residential and retail complex planned for Co. Wicklow has been refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanala.

Pizarro Developments - a consortium led by Paddy Kelly and including Durkan New Homes, Newlyn Group, Alanis Ltd and Pierse Construction - was last year granted planning permission by Bray Town Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councill to build the €2bn complex.

As it would have been located on a natural flood plain, the decision to grant permission was appealed to the planning board last May by local residents who have been campaigning to keep the flood plain free from high-density development. Relevant parties were due to be officially notified by post this morning.

Colm Kelpie
irish Independent