CONCERN HAS been expressed for the future of the €300 million redevelopment of Greystones Harbour after builders confirmed the project is to come under the control of Nama.
Work on the marine elements of the project is scheduled for completion within a month, with the next phase involving the creation of a new harbour square, a medical centre and the provision of five new clubhouses for existing harbour users.
The plan, which is a complex public-private partnership between Wicklow County Council, home builders Park Developments and civil engineers John Sisk Son, was financially underpinned by the development of retail space, a 320-berth marina and 341 new homes.
Some €80 million has already been spent on the development of the new harbour and marina. However, concern for the project’s financial viability was first expressed by the builders themselves. Operating as the Sispar consortium, they asked Wicklow County Council to allow the development of an additional 34 new homes, bringing the total housing element to 375 units.
But renewed concern has now been expressed by councillors following the confirmation from Sispar that the project is now headed for Nama.
The chairman of Wicklow County Council, Labour’s Tom Fortune, said the announcement “came as a shock”.
He said councillors “had been led to believe that the project was on track for partial completion by the end of 2011. Now that is all up in the air. We have been advised that the completion of the project is dependent on Nama making funding available.”
“I think that there is a real risk that the project will not be completed and that if we do not act the hoardings around the harbour could be left there for a very long time,” he said.
However a spokesman for Sispar said Nama was taking in all loans over €5 million, whether they were performing or not. He said he had not heard anyone say the Sispar loans were not performing. While he acknowledged future decisions would require the approval of Nama, he said work was still “ongoing” and a stoppage leaving the hoardings up would seem “unlikely”.
Seán Quirke of Wicklow County Council also confirmed the project was to come under the control of Nama.
He said councillors would be voting on the additional 34 housing units in December and the next phase would get under way in January. He said this did not mean a hiatus in the schedule, as work would continue around the harbour.
Mr Quirke confirmed An Bord Pleanála had issued a decision that the additional 34 new homes would require a new environmental assessment. But he said this was because the homes were initially to be located on an old dump.
The council had subsequently decided to move these houses and therefore could grant permission without reference to a new environmental assessment. Mr Quirke said the council did not believe it needed to consult An Bord Pleanála on the question of a new environmental assessment in relation to the new housing site, as the board’s objections had related only to the former dump.
The council proposes using Part VII of the Planning and Development Act which does not provide for an appeal process.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label greystones planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label greystones planning. Show all posts
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Key changes to Greystones plan
BUILDERS OF the €300 million redevelopment scheme under way at Greystones harbour in Co Wicklow are to seek increases in the residential and commercial elements of the project.
Sispar, a consortium involving John Sisk and Company and house builders Park Developments, in partnership with Wicklow County Council, is proposing to increase the number of new homes in the scheme from 341 to 375.
It also proposes to increase the commercial area to 6,425sq m – an addition of about 800sq m. Car parking at the €300 million redevelopment project is to be increased from 953 spaces to 1002.
Because of the involvement of Wicklow County Council the application is be decided by Wicklow county councillors under Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act, which does not provide for an appeal against the local authority’s decision.
Sispar had initially sought planning permission for 375 homes, the maximum allowed under the County Development Plan. But this was reduced by An Bord Pleanála to 341 in a move designed to reduce the bulk of the new homes at the front of the project and create a larger civic square.
Sispar said the use of Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act was not a move to undermine the planning board’s decision. Spokesman Paraic Keogh said the board’s decision had been designed to create a civic square and this would be retained in the project. The additional apartments would be located to the rear of the development, on part of a site reserved for a 16-acre park. The move would utilise about three acres of the park.
The commercial changes proposed include the redesignation of most of a block of apartments known as “block D” fronting on to the civic square, for commercial purposes.
This increased commercial space would then be used for a primary care, medical centre. Mr Keogh said a deal had already been agreed with healthcare company Meret, which had an agreement with the HSE.
Wicklow County Council director of services Seán Quirke said the application would be the subject of four weeks of public consultation, followed by two weeks for objections.
The decision would ultimately be made by a vote of elected councillors and there was no provision in Part VIII of the Planning Act to appeal the decision either to the council or to the planning board.
The application to reconfigure block D is to be made next week, followed in July by the application to change the number of new homes. Work on the existing harbour walls is due to be completed by this October.
Should planning permission be granted, work will then get under way on the development of the reconfigured block D, car parking and the civic square.
Work would also continue on the provision of facilities for local clubs.
By the end of 2011 hoardings opposite the Beach House pub and Bayswater Terrace would come down and the public would have access to the square and the waterfront.
No date for the start or completion of the housing elements of the plan was given.
According to Mr Keogh the application to vary the development represented a firm commitment to complete the project. “Sispar are prepared to finish with this subject to achieving the necessary amendments,” the company said.
The alternative is that the harbour walls would be completed with an unfinished public square and routes through the site to the sea for boat users, the developers said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sispar, a consortium involving John Sisk and Company and house builders Park Developments, in partnership with Wicklow County Council, is proposing to increase the number of new homes in the scheme from 341 to 375.
It also proposes to increase the commercial area to 6,425sq m – an addition of about 800sq m. Car parking at the €300 million redevelopment project is to be increased from 953 spaces to 1002.
Because of the involvement of Wicklow County Council the application is be decided by Wicklow county councillors under Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act, which does not provide for an appeal against the local authority’s decision.
Sispar had initially sought planning permission for 375 homes, the maximum allowed under the County Development Plan. But this was reduced by An Bord Pleanála to 341 in a move designed to reduce the bulk of the new homes at the front of the project and create a larger civic square.
Sispar said the use of Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act was not a move to undermine the planning board’s decision. Spokesman Paraic Keogh said the board’s decision had been designed to create a civic square and this would be retained in the project. The additional apartments would be located to the rear of the development, on part of a site reserved for a 16-acre park. The move would utilise about three acres of the park.
The commercial changes proposed include the redesignation of most of a block of apartments known as “block D” fronting on to the civic square, for commercial purposes.
This increased commercial space would then be used for a primary care, medical centre. Mr Keogh said a deal had already been agreed with healthcare company Meret, which had an agreement with the HSE.
Wicklow County Council director of services Seán Quirke said the application would be the subject of four weeks of public consultation, followed by two weeks for objections.
The decision would ultimately be made by a vote of elected councillors and there was no provision in Part VIII of the Planning Act to appeal the decision either to the council or to the planning board.
The application to reconfigure block D is to be made next week, followed in July by the application to change the number of new homes. Work on the existing harbour walls is due to be completed by this October.
Should planning permission be granted, work will then get under way on the development of the reconfigured block D, car parking and the civic square.
Work would also continue on the provision of facilities for local clubs.
By the end of 2011 hoardings opposite the Beach House pub and Bayswater Terrace would come down and the public would have access to the square and the waterfront.
No date for the start or completion of the housing elements of the plan was given.
According to Mr Keogh the application to vary the development represented a firm commitment to complete the project. “Sispar are prepared to finish with this subject to achieving the necessary amendments,” the company said.
The alternative is that the harbour walls would be completed with an unfinished public square and routes through the site to the sea for boat users, the developers said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Greystones harbour development not at risk, claims council
FEARS THAT the housing market downturn could scupper the €300 million redevelopment of Greystones harbour have been rejected by Wicklow County Council.
Responding to local concern that the five-year project – which is dependent on the sale of 341 housing units – could be halted by the recession, council chairman Derek Mitchell said 80 per cent of the new harbour’s south wall was already in place.
He said this, and a €10 million builders’ bond, would ensure that the harbour with its two public slipways and maritime club houses would be completed by autumn 2010, which he said would be “only a few months late”.
He said hoardings around the south side of the harbour would likely come down then, and the 230-berth marina would be completed later, “even if the housing at the northern end is mothballed for a while”.
The council’s spokesman on the project Seán Quirke said the developers were concerned at the fall in house prices, but insisted this was not affecting their commitment.
He said work on completing the outer walls had recently gone to a double shift and divers were working “until midnight and afterwards” in a bid to have the walls completed before next winter.
Sea swells last winter caused some movement in giant cement blocks before rock armour could be put in position and as a result by spring the project was running three months behind.
Work on the club houses has been put back to next winter to focus on completing the sea walls.
The council’s private sector partners are civil engineers John Sisk and home builders Park Developments, working as the Sispar Consortium. The project, which included the compulsory acquisition of properties on the sea front, is heavily dependent on the sale of the 341 new homes with retail facilities, and income from the marina.
In 2006 Mr Quirke said that “what has kept the scheme viable is the strong performance of the property market”. Mr Mitchell said he was confident there was always a market for houses in Greystones, and the timeframe of completion by 2013 could allow for a pause in house building if needed.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Responding to local concern that the five-year project – which is dependent on the sale of 341 housing units – could be halted by the recession, council chairman Derek Mitchell said 80 per cent of the new harbour’s south wall was already in place.
He said this, and a €10 million builders’ bond, would ensure that the harbour with its two public slipways and maritime club houses would be completed by autumn 2010, which he said would be “only a few months late”.
He said hoardings around the south side of the harbour would likely come down then, and the 230-berth marina would be completed later, “even if the housing at the northern end is mothballed for a while”.
The council’s spokesman on the project Seán Quirke said the developers were concerned at the fall in house prices, but insisted this was not affecting their commitment.
He said work on completing the outer walls had recently gone to a double shift and divers were working “until midnight and afterwards” in a bid to have the walls completed before next winter.
Sea swells last winter caused some movement in giant cement blocks before rock armour could be put in position and as a result by spring the project was running three months behind.
Work on the club houses has been put back to next winter to focus on completing the sea walls.
The council’s private sector partners are civil engineers John Sisk and home builders Park Developments, working as the Sispar Consortium. The project, which included the compulsory acquisition of properties on the sea front, is heavily dependent on the sale of the 341 new homes with retail facilities, and income from the marina.
In 2006 Mr Quirke said that “what has kept the scheme viable is the strong performance of the property market”. Mr Mitchell said he was confident there was always a market for houses in Greystones, and the timeframe of completion by 2013 could allow for a pause in house building if needed.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Greystones - A new town
TEN YEARS AGO ago, Greystones was a very pleasant but slightly sleepy town, still far removed from the bustle of Dublin. Times have certainly changed. There is still a very attractive village atmosphere, but the population of greater Greystones has soared, with several large developments on the outskirts, and the arrival of the Dart. Not everyone is pleased with all the changes, but on the food front, few can complain.
A decade ago, options to eat out in Greystones were fairly limited. There were a couple of decent Italian trattorias, Bistro Vino by the station, or Cooper’s down by the harbour. The greatest treat was a visit to The Hungry Monk , a legendary establishment that still thrives. Last week, I counted no less than 20 businesses all serving food of some sort, all on Church Road, the main street, or a very short walk away from it. Eating at home has got a lot better too, with a clutch of fine-food shops to please the most fastidious of foodies.
Every restaurant seems to have its fans. Bistro Vino has been in operation for many years, serving wholesome Italian classics, but things have taken a change for the better under new ownership. Regulars (and there are many) swear that it offers the best value in town. Serving a range of pasta, pizza and a few more adventurous dishes, it is very popular for families out on the town.
Across the road is The Burnaby , a pub that is a regular lunchtime haunt for people working locally. The interior has been very sensitively restored and modernised and in many ways shows the way forward for that great institution that is the Irish pub. The cooking here has taken a jump forward recently; Aran’s seafood chowder is a meal in itself, and a delicious pie and a pint is a great way to start the weekend.
Bochelli has its fans too – it’s a classic Italian red-sauce joint with genuine attentive Italian service in a very lively atmosphere. The Royal Park , a traditional Chinese restaurant, may not stray too far from the usual formula, but the service is excellent and the food is reasonably priced.
Other favourites include Scent (mixed Asian) and Backstage @ Bels , with its theatrical theme. Food here is locally sourced where possible, and modern Irish in style. Also popular with Italian foodies is Diva , down by the harbour.
A little further up Church Road, the cooking gets more ambitious. The Three Qs , run by the three Quinn brothers (Paul, Colin and Brian), offers an excellent mix of modern and international cuisine in a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere. There is a distinctly Mediterranean feel to the menu, with falafel and Moroccan fish, but the dhal soup is a must-try too. The Irish side of the menu includes plenty of pork, game and fish (be sure to try the game pie). If the menu sounds overly complicated, fear not. It works perfectly, with real inventiveness and style. Three Qs also opens for breakfast and light lunches too; home-made baked beans with mature cheese on toast will banish any lingering winter blues.
Across the road you will find both The Hungry Monk, and Chakra (see panel, overleaf).
Coffee shops abound, and all seem to be buzzing, despite the recession. Summerville (formerly Poppies) is a favourite among walkers after a climb over Bray Head. During the week it seems to be full of mothers meeting for coffee after the school run. Another long-term tenant is Homan’s , down by the station, which makes a real effort to offer a decent cuppa and something to nibble alongside it. Scone afficionados tell me they make the real deal here.
Farther up the street, The Happy Pear and Caviston’s both do a very brisk lunchtime trade. Next door to The Happy Pear, A Caviston (the A is for Amy), a recent arrival, does a great lunch, featuring, not surprisingly, plenty of fishy salads. An off-shoot of the famous Glasthule shop, A Caviston offers an excellent selection of fish, cheese and other goodies, as well as having a cafe. The quality of cold meats, cheese and other deli foods has added an extra dimension to shopping in Greystones. Competition on the fish front is provided by Moran’s , which also supplies many of the local restaurants.
One thing missing from the food scene in recent years has been a decent butcher’s shop. Most proper foodies head up to Delgany, home to Farrelly’s , a traditional butchers that slaughters its own beef and lamb. Regulars here are treated to a stream of happy banter while waiting for their massive organic T-bone steaks. In recent months, however, there is competition from The Steak Shop , which opened just off the main street in Greystones, selling that rarity: properly hung beef and lamb.
There is more choice for the take-home brigade with the recent arrival of several upmarket shops. In addition to Supervalu, Tesco and Lidl (not to mention Superquinn just down the road in Charlesland), shoppers can now choose between Butler’s Pantry on Church Road, and a large new Donnybrook Fair , complete with on-site wok cookery, high-quality take-home foods (try the meatballs) and an excellent wine shop. This in turn provides competition for the Wicklow Arms in Delgany, with its well-selected range of wines and beers, and O’Briens on Church Road.
The population of Greystones must be among the healthiest in Ireland. In addition to The Happy Pear, there is Nature’s Gold health-food shop where, alongside homeopathic remedies, you will find all of the foodie’s cupboard staples, from Tamari soy sauce to a range of pulses and cereals. Beside Nature’s Gold is Ireton’s , a perfect example of the traditional Irish grocer. Another healthy option is the Ecoshop , recently arrived from Glen o’ the Downs. This offers an amazing array of eco-friendly goods for home, garden and table. For the kitchen there is an interesting selection of foods, including organic meats, vegetables and cheeses.
If all this food leaves you bloated, Greystones now boasts some of the finest sporting facilities in the country. There are three golf clubs, vibrant tennis, rugby, soccer and GAA clubs and, for the more sedate, a bowling club. Then there is a new community swimming pool and sports centre, as well as a Jackie Skelly pool and gym. The Charlesland Sports and Recreation Club has an all-weather athletic track, skateboard park, baseball diamond, tennis courts and a climbing wall. Once the harbour is completed, the sailing, rowing and angling clubs will return to normal, complete with new facilities.
Overall, the food scene in Greystones has been transformed in recent years and now offers a huge range of options for eating out and at home. There is still the remnant of a farmers’ market on Saturdays (this includes a very good butcher who travels from a farm in Co Antrim). Otherwise, people seem happy to spend their money in the local shops. Every Saturday, the main street is humming with contented locals filling their bags with a range of goodies, many of which are sourced from the green hills surrounding the town.
SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENTS in the Greystones area have been controversial, of course. To the south of the town, an approximate triangle encompassing Kilcoole to the south, Greystones to the north and Delgany to the west, is rapidly being filled with housing and other developments.
Both Delgany and Charlesland have expanded greatly over the past five years. The greater Greystones area, including Delgany and Charlesland, has grown by more than 40 per cent, and now has a population of 20,000. There were plans, turned down by An Bord Pleanála, to build a massive retail complex in Charlesland.
Within the town of Greystones, the Meridian Point shopping centre has been slow to take off, but could now receive a welcome boost with the opening of a new street, Theatre Lane, which features several retail outlets and a multi-disciplinary arts venue, Greystones Theatre and Studios. It has regular concerts and a resident gospel choir.
In a move that proved very divisive, Wicklow County Council entered into a public-private partnership scheme to develop the harbour and surrounding area to the north of the town. This is currently under construction and when completed it will include more than 340 residential units, shops, a 230-berth marina, and facilities for marine activities. The scheme has been delayed, and it is currently two months behind schedule.
The main harbour is due to open in May 2010, followed later by the boardwalk, housing and retail units. In the meantime, most of the harbour area is blocked off, although it is still possible to access the cliff walk to Bray Head.
With the opening of two new schools last year (one Educate Together, one Gaelscoil), Greystones now has five primary schools (six if you include Delgany). But as anyone travelling on the lively morning Dart will confirm, there is only one secondary school. Most students travel elsewhere to further their education.
Overall, many feel that Greystones is rapidly turning into a southside Malahide; for some this is a positive development, others feel that the developments over the past decade have been sufficient. I am conscious that for many visitors to Greystones, the foodie attractions of the village will play a strictly supporting role to the main business of the day – shopping. And I don’t mean shopping for food. So, for the fashion conscious, here are the edited highlights.
Toil & Glitter on Theatre Lane specialises in Scandinavian clothes and accessories, and carries a line of cool, elegantly deconstructed designs expertly chosen by owner Jill Barrens. Right next door, Shadore boutique, formerly of Wicklow town, is presided over by the irrepressible Sharon Mother, who loves nothing more than to have her clients “come in and play” with her quirky, highly individual selection of clothes. Mrs Wilson particularly covets her Aideen Bodkin brocade coat.
JuJu , on la Touche Place, is the place to go for investment and one-off items by labels such as Schumacher, John Rocha and Eileen Shields. It also stocks a beautiful, jewel-coloured range of cashmere by Johnston’s of Scotland. Little Miracles , next door, sells an affordable and stylish range of maternity clothing. The selection of wrap dresses come highly recommended for non-pregnant women as well. Rubana on Hillside Road carries a small but carefully chosen selection of elegant designer gear.
Tuchuzy on Church Road has a great selection of clothes by labels such as In-Wear, French Connection and The Barn. Escape boutique, beside Homan’s coffee shop on Church Road, is a long-established boutique catering for all ages and shapes with a wide range of stock including Noa-Noa, Pieszak ze Zinsky and Lysgaard.
Greystones is also home to two artisan jewellers – silversmith Colleen Gallagher, who designs and creates an extensive range of sculptural pieces from her shop, KC Gallagher , on Church Road, and goldsmith and gemmologist Anne-Mette O’Connor who creates highly individual and bespoke pieces from her workshop at AMOC , also on Church Road.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
A decade ago, options to eat out in Greystones were fairly limited. There were a couple of decent Italian trattorias, Bistro Vino by the station, or Cooper’s down by the harbour. The greatest treat was a visit to The Hungry Monk , a legendary establishment that still thrives. Last week, I counted no less than 20 businesses all serving food of some sort, all on Church Road, the main street, or a very short walk away from it. Eating at home has got a lot better too, with a clutch of fine-food shops to please the most fastidious of foodies.
Every restaurant seems to have its fans. Bistro Vino has been in operation for many years, serving wholesome Italian classics, but things have taken a change for the better under new ownership. Regulars (and there are many) swear that it offers the best value in town. Serving a range of pasta, pizza and a few more adventurous dishes, it is very popular for families out on the town.
Across the road is The Burnaby , a pub that is a regular lunchtime haunt for people working locally. The interior has been very sensitively restored and modernised and in many ways shows the way forward for that great institution that is the Irish pub. The cooking here has taken a jump forward recently; Aran’s seafood chowder is a meal in itself, and a delicious pie and a pint is a great way to start the weekend.
Bochelli has its fans too – it’s a classic Italian red-sauce joint with genuine attentive Italian service in a very lively atmosphere. The Royal Park , a traditional Chinese restaurant, may not stray too far from the usual formula, but the service is excellent and the food is reasonably priced.
Other favourites include Scent (mixed Asian) and Backstage @ Bels , with its theatrical theme. Food here is locally sourced where possible, and modern Irish in style. Also popular with Italian foodies is Diva , down by the harbour.
A little further up Church Road, the cooking gets more ambitious. The Three Qs , run by the three Quinn brothers (Paul, Colin and Brian), offers an excellent mix of modern and international cuisine in a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere. There is a distinctly Mediterranean feel to the menu, with falafel and Moroccan fish, but the dhal soup is a must-try too. The Irish side of the menu includes plenty of pork, game and fish (be sure to try the game pie). If the menu sounds overly complicated, fear not. It works perfectly, with real inventiveness and style. Three Qs also opens for breakfast and light lunches too; home-made baked beans with mature cheese on toast will banish any lingering winter blues.
Across the road you will find both The Hungry Monk, and Chakra (see panel, overleaf).
Coffee shops abound, and all seem to be buzzing, despite the recession. Summerville (formerly Poppies) is a favourite among walkers after a climb over Bray Head. During the week it seems to be full of mothers meeting for coffee after the school run. Another long-term tenant is Homan’s , down by the station, which makes a real effort to offer a decent cuppa and something to nibble alongside it. Scone afficionados tell me they make the real deal here.
Farther up the street, The Happy Pear and Caviston’s both do a very brisk lunchtime trade. Next door to The Happy Pear, A Caviston (the A is for Amy), a recent arrival, does a great lunch, featuring, not surprisingly, plenty of fishy salads. An off-shoot of the famous Glasthule shop, A Caviston offers an excellent selection of fish, cheese and other goodies, as well as having a cafe. The quality of cold meats, cheese and other deli foods has added an extra dimension to shopping in Greystones. Competition on the fish front is provided by Moran’s , which also supplies many of the local restaurants.
One thing missing from the food scene in recent years has been a decent butcher’s shop. Most proper foodies head up to Delgany, home to Farrelly’s , a traditional butchers that slaughters its own beef and lamb. Regulars here are treated to a stream of happy banter while waiting for their massive organic T-bone steaks. In recent months, however, there is competition from The Steak Shop , which opened just off the main street in Greystones, selling that rarity: properly hung beef and lamb.
There is more choice for the take-home brigade with the recent arrival of several upmarket shops. In addition to Supervalu, Tesco and Lidl (not to mention Superquinn just down the road in Charlesland), shoppers can now choose between Butler’s Pantry on Church Road, and a large new Donnybrook Fair , complete with on-site wok cookery, high-quality take-home foods (try the meatballs) and an excellent wine shop. This in turn provides competition for the Wicklow Arms in Delgany, with its well-selected range of wines and beers, and O’Briens on Church Road.
The population of Greystones must be among the healthiest in Ireland. In addition to The Happy Pear, there is Nature’s Gold health-food shop where, alongside homeopathic remedies, you will find all of the foodie’s cupboard staples, from Tamari soy sauce to a range of pulses and cereals. Beside Nature’s Gold is Ireton’s , a perfect example of the traditional Irish grocer. Another healthy option is the Ecoshop , recently arrived from Glen o’ the Downs. This offers an amazing array of eco-friendly goods for home, garden and table. For the kitchen there is an interesting selection of foods, including organic meats, vegetables and cheeses.
If all this food leaves you bloated, Greystones now boasts some of the finest sporting facilities in the country. There are three golf clubs, vibrant tennis, rugby, soccer and GAA clubs and, for the more sedate, a bowling club. Then there is a new community swimming pool and sports centre, as well as a Jackie Skelly pool and gym. The Charlesland Sports and Recreation Club has an all-weather athletic track, skateboard park, baseball diamond, tennis courts and a climbing wall. Once the harbour is completed, the sailing, rowing and angling clubs will return to normal, complete with new facilities.
Overall, the food scene in Greystones has been transformed in recent years and now offers a huge range of options for eating out and at home. There is still the remnant of a farmers’ market on Saturdays (this includes a very good butcher who travels from a farm in Co Antrim). Otherwise, people seem happy to spend their money in the local shops. Every Saturday, the main street is humming with contented locals filling their bags with a range of goodies, many of which are sourced from the green hills surrounding the town.
SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENTS in the Greystones area have been controversial, of course. To the south of the town, an approximate triangle encompassing Kilcoole to the south, Greystones to the north and Delgany to the west, is rapidly being filled with housing and other developments.
Both Delgany and Charlesland have expanded greatly over the past five years. The greater Greystones area, including Delgany and Charlesland, has grown by more than 40 per cent, and now has a population of 20,000. There were plans, turned down by An Bord Pleanála, to build a massive retail complex in Charlesland.
Within the town of Greystones, the Meridian Point shopping centre has been slow to take off, but could now receive a welcome boost with the opening of a new street, Theatre Lane, which features several retail outlets and a multi-disciplinary arts venue, Greystones Theatre and Studios. It has regular concerts and a resident gospel choir.
In a move that proved very divisive, Wicklow County Council entered into a public-private partnership scheme to develop the harbour and surrounding area to the north of the town. This is currently under construction and when completed it will include more than 340 residential units, shops, a 230-berth marina, and facilities for marine activities. The scheme has been delayed, and it is currently two months behind schedule.
The main harbour is due to open in May 2010, followed later by the boardwalk, housing and retail units. In the meantime, most of the harbour area is blocked off, although it is still possible to access the cliff walk to Bray Head.
With the opening of two new schools last year (one Educate Together, one Gaelscoil), Greystones now has five primary schools (six if you include Delgany). But as anyone travelling on the lively morning Dart will confirm, there is only one secondary school. Most students travel elsewhere to further their education.
Overall, many feel that Greystones is rapidly turning into a southside Malahide; for some this is a positive development, others feel that the developments over the past decade have been sufficient. I am conscious that for many visitors to Greystones, the foodie attractions of the village will play a strictly supporting role to the main business of the day – shopping. And I don’t mean shopping for food. So, for the fashion conscious, here are the edited highlights.
Toil & Glitter on Theatre Lane specialises in Scandinavian clothes and accessories, and carries a line of cool, elegantly deconstructed designs expertly chosen by owner Jill Barrens. Right next door, Shadore boutique, formerly of Wicklow town, is presided over by the irrepressible Sharon Mother, who loves nothing more than to have her clients “come in and play” with her quirky, highly individual selection of clothes. Mrs Wilson particularly covets her Aideen Bodkin brocade coat.
JuJu , on la Touche Place, is the place to go for investment and one-off items by labels such as Schumacher, John Rocha and Eileen Shields. It also stocks a beautiful, jewel-coloured range of cashmere by Johnston’s of Scotland. Little Miracles , next door, sells an affordable and stylish range of maternity clothing. The selection of wrap dresses come highly recommended for non-pregnant women as well. Rubana on Hillside Road carries a small but carefully chosen selection of elegant designer gear.
Tuchuzy on Church Road has a great selection of clothes by labels such as In-Wear, French Connection and The Barn. Escape boutique, beside Homan’s coffee shop on Church Road, is a long-established boutique catering for all ages and shapes with a wide range of stock including Noa-Noa, Pieszak ze Zinsky and Lysgaard.
Greystones is also home to two artisan jewellers – silversmith Colleen Gallagher, who designs and creates an extensive range of sculptural pieces from her shop, KC Gallagher , on Church Road, and goldsmith and gemmologist Anne-Mette O’Connor who creates highly individual and bespoke pieces from her workshop at AMOC , also on Church Road.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Major blow for Dunne's shopping centre plans
DEVELOPER Sean Dunne has been refused permission to build a multi-million euro shopping centre in Co Wicklow.
In a major setback for the high-profile businessman, yesterday An Bord Pleanala refused permission for a district shopping centre and retail warehouses at a site at Charlesland in Greystones saying it would conflict with national retail guidelines.
The €1bn development, proposed by Zapi Properties which is made up of Mr Dunne and businessman Sean Mulryan, proposed a 20,000-sq m shopping centre, offices and 260 new homes on an 80-acre site outside the town centre.
The application came after local councillors agreed to change the zoning of the site to allow mixed-use development in return for a number of community facilities being handed over.
It was unclear last night if the community facilities would go ahead, given that permission was refused for most of the ambitious project.
In its decision, the board granted permission for houses, offices, an enterprise centre, petrol station and car showrooms.
Conflict
"The proposed district centre, which would be located in an out of centre, greenfield site would conflict with national policy as contained in the retail planning guidelines which favours the siting of new retail development in town centres or edge of centre locations," it said.
The development would have an "adverse impact" on the viability of the existing town centre, and Greystones required a smaller shopping centre to cater for "local needs".
Major developments were better placed in Wicklow and Bray, and the developer had not demonstrated that alternative sites closer to the town's shopping area were not suitable for development.
A public hearing into his plans was held late last year, where a rival developer seeking to build a shopping centre in Bray outlined their objections following the collapse of a "gentleman's agreement" where both parties agreed not to object to each other's schemes.
Pizarro Developments, which includes developer Paddy Kelly, Durkan New Homes and Pierse Construction, objected to the Greystones scheme. It proposes building the new Bray Town Centre shopping complex, and a decision on that plan is due at the end of the month.
Local councillor Derek Mitchell (FG) said the decision would result in jobs being lost to Wicklow.
Zapi was not available for comment last night.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
In a major setback for the high-profile businessman, yesterday An Bord Pleanala refused permission for a district shopping centre and retail warehouses at a site at Charlesland in Greystones saying it would conflict with national retail guidelines.
The €1bn development, proposed by Zapi Properties which is made up of Mr Dunne and businessman Sean Mulryan, proposed a 20,000-sq m shopping centre, offices and 260 new homes on an 80-acre site outside the town centre.
The application came after local councillors agreed to change the zoning of the site to allow mixed-use development in return for a number of community facilities being handed over.
It was unclear last night if the community facilities would go ahead, given that permission was refused for most of the ambitious project.
In its decision, the board granted permission for houses, offices, an enterprise centre, petrol station and car showrooms.
Conflict
"The proposed district centre, which would be located in an out of centre, greenfield site would conflict with national policy as contained in the retail planning guidelines which favours the siting of new retail development in town centres or edge of centre locations," it said.
The development would have an "adverse impact" on the viability of the existing town centre, and Greystones required a smaller shopping centre to cater for "local needs".
Major developments were better placed in Wicklow and Bray, and the developer had not demonstrated that alternative sites closer to the town's shopping area were not suitable for development.
A public hearing into his plans was held late last year, where a rival developer seeking to build a shopping centre in Bray outlined their objections following the collapse of a "gentleman's agreement" where both parties agreed not to object to each other's schemes.
Pizarro Developments, which includes developer Paddy Kelly, Durkan New Homes and Pierse Construction, objected to the Greystones scheme. It proposes building the new Bray Town Centre shopping complex, and a decision on that plan is due at the end of the month.
Local councillor Derek Mitchell (FG) said the decision would result in jobs being lost to Wicklow.
Zapi was not available for comment last night.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Shopping centre near Greystones refused planning
AN BORD PLEANÁLA has refused planning permission for a shopping centre which was to be at the heart of a large-scale development on the outskirts of Greystones, Co Wicklow.
The planning authority granted permission for other elements of the town centre style scheme on a 100-acre site at Charlesland, some 3km from Greystones town centre, including offices, an enterprise centre and sites for a proposed new Garda station and primary school.
The scheme, which was to be located beside the existing Charlesland development of 1,500 homes, was to consist of 20,000sq m of shops, 26,000sq m of offices, 16,000sq m of retail warehousing, 11,500sq m of motor showrooms, as well as light industrial units and 260 new homes.
However, a report by an An Bord Pleanála inspector said the shopping centre would conflict with national policy contained in the Retail Guidelines for Planning Authorities Act of 2005 which would favour the location of such a facility in the town centre.
The report also said the development would undermine the designated role of Bray to serve the county’s retail needs.
“The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” it continued.
The development was proposed by Zapi Ltd – a property company controlled by Seán Dunne of Mountbrook Homes and Seán Mulryan of Ballymore.
Zapi was to contribute €100,000 towards the development of a Greystones heritage centre and €500,000 towards the cost of a recycling facility for the town.
Wicklow County Council approved planning permission for the development in December 2007, but three appeals were subsequently lodged against the scheme.
The cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Derek Mitchell of Fine Gael, said he was disappointed by the decision and believed that in the current economic climate, the development was unlikely to go ahead without the shopping centre.
Cllr Mitchell said the arrival of big name retailers and an enterprise centre would have generated much needed employment for the area and reduced Greystones dependency on commuting.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The planning authority granted permission for other elements of the town centre style scheme on a 100-acre site at Charlesland, some 3km from Greystones town centre, including offices, an enterprise centre and sites for a proposed new Garda station and primary school.
The scheme, which was to be located beside the existing Charlesland development of 1,500 homes, was to consist of 20,000sq m of shops, 26,000sq m of offices, 16,000sq m of retail warehousing, 11,500sq m of motor showrooms, as well as light industrial units and 260 new homes.
However, a report by an An Bord Pleanála inspector said the shopping centre would conflict with national policy contained in the Retail Guidelines for Planning Authorities Act of 2005 which would favour the location of such a facility in the town centre.
The report also said the development would undermine the designated role of Bray to serve the county’s retail needs.
“The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” it continued.
The development was proposed by Zapi Ltd – a property company controlled by Seán Dunne of Mountbrook Homes and Seán Mulryan of Ballymore.
Zapi was to contribute €100,000 towards the development of a Greystones heritage centre and €500,000 towards the cost of a recycling facility for the town.
Wicklow County Council approved planning permission for the development in December 2007, but three appeals were subsequently lodged against the scheme.
The cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Derek Mitchell of Fine Gael, said he was disappointed by the decision and believed that in the current economic climate, the development was unlikely to go ahead without the shopping centre.
Cllr Mitchell said the arrival of big name retailers and an enterprise centre would have generated much needed employment for the area and reduced Greystones dependency on commuting.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Greystones shopping centre plan
Greystones shopping centre plan appealed by rival developers A bid by developers Seán Dunne and Seán Mulryan to build a district shopping centre, offices, 260 residential units, a primary school and Garda station at Charlesland in Greystones, Co Wicklow has been challenged by Pizarro Development Ltd the company behind a rival €2 billion Bray town centre.
Pizarro is one of three parties to appeal a decision to grant permission for the development which includes a shopping centre comparable in size to Liffey Valley. Pizarro is a consortium made up of developer Paddy Kelly and his family; Alanis, controlled by the McCormack family; the Flynn family; Durkan New Homes; Pierse Construction; and the Newlyn Group.
Another appellant is the local Super Valu in Greystones which says the proposal for an out-of-town regional shopping centre would "decimate the existing town centre of Greystones" and have a detrimental effect on Kilcoole, Newtownmountkennedy and, because of its scale, Bray, Wicklow and Arklow.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Pizarro is one of three parties to appeal a decision to grant permission for the development which includes a shopping centre comparable in size to Liffey Valley. Pizarro is a consortium made up of developer Paddy Kelly and his family; Alanis, controlled by the McCormack family; the Flynn family; Durkan New Homes; Pierse Construction; and the Newlyn Group.
Another appellant is the local Super Valu in Greystones which says the proposal for an out-of-town regional shopping centre would "decimate the existing town centre of Greystones" and have a detrimental effect on Kilcoole, Newtownmountkennedy and, because of its scale, Bray, Wicklow and Arklow.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 7 January 2007
Greystones Marina Plan = Unprecedented Opposition
Did anyone see the article “Wicklow group to endorse election candidate” by Ruadhan MacCormaic in the Irish Times on Saturday? Since reading it, I’ve been thinking again about the incredible number of objections there are to the Greystones marina plan – approx’ 6,000 – and I have been trying to put it into context. Preliminary results from Census 2006 indicate the population of Greystones Electoral Division is 7,106. This means that 6 out of 7 people over 18 in Greystones (assuming most objectors live in Greystones) are opposed to the plan. This begs the question: “What level of objection doe sit take in Ireland for a planning application to be refused?” These results are almost those of a plebiscite (A direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to accept or refuse a proposal), i.e. the results suggest that if every person was asked to vote on the proposal tomorrow, they would all vote no. Therefore, when the Greystones Protection and Development Association states that it believes Wickow County Council is not representing the views of local people on this issue, it is hard to argue otherwise. That there are plans to run an independent candidate in the general election on this issue is no surprise.
The quality of the Greystones proposal must be assessed in light of the fact that more people have objected to it than to the Ringsend incinerator proposal, which is located in a more densely populated part of the country.
Those who wish to follow the course of the Greystones proposal as is passes through An Bord Pleanala’s assessment can follow this link:
http://www.pleanala.ie/data1/searchdetails.asp?id=6178713&caseno=EF2016
This case is due to be decided by 30-01-2007.
The quality of the Greystones proposal must be assessed in light of the fact that more people have objected to it than to the Ringsend incinerator proposal, which is located in a more densely populated part of the country.
Those who wish to follow the course of the Greystones proposal as is passes through An Bord Pleanala’s assessment can follow this link:
http://www.pleanala.ie/data1/searchdetails.asp?id=6178713&caseno=EF2016
This case is due to be decided by 30-01-2007.
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