Sunday 14 December 2008

Mellon submits Knockrabo plans

Developer and entrepreneur Niall Mellon of Knockrabo Developments has applied for further changes to the proposed development on part of the former Bank of Ireland sports grounds in Knockrabo, Goatstown, south Dublin.

The 6.1-acre site, located off Mount Anville Road, adjoins a reservation for a major road development, the Sandyford to St Helen’s link road, which has yet to be finalised by the National Roads Authority.

The site is also bounded by the mature residential Ardilea Downs estate, some residents of which have already opposed the development. Last week, Mellon lodged revised plans to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for a development of 85 residential units and a 223 square met re creche.

If granted, the properties will comprise 27 four and five-bedroom houses and 58 apartments laid out over three five-storey blocks. Permission has also been sought for the refurbishment of existing protected gate lodge and entrance piers of Knockrabo House, protected structures, to their original condition.

Mellon is also looking to build a new entrance off Mount Anville Road. Knockrabo Developments also submitted revised plans on the site last April, when it reduced the number of proposed residential units to 85 properties.

It has been almost four years since Mellon was refused planning permission by an Bord Pleanala for a development of more than 360 residential units on the site.

Mellon, who also is behind the trust which builds houses for the homeless in South Africa, purchased the site for €50 million in 2003 from Michael Roden’s Merrion Property Group. The Merrion Group, which had paid €25.4 million for the 23.6 acres at the end of 1999, had originally proposed a 569-unit development on the grounds.

O’Malley Developments is also seeking to build houses at Knockrabo. The developer bought a portion of the site from Knockrabo Developments in an off-market deal, but in 2007 An Bord Pleanala refused O’Malley Developments planning permission for a 129-unit housing scheme.

Sunday Business Post

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