Saving the Multi Use Open Space at Portland Row

Delighted  to see ACP refuse permission  for Dublin City Council Housing Department  proposal to build social housing on the local recreational open space in Portland Row in Dublin One, following a campaign spearheaded by Kellie Harrington to retain this open space. 

Kellie engaged me to lodge an objection to this ill-conceived application. I could see from the beginning that the proposal was clearly contrary to the policy in the Dublin City Development Plan.  The Planning Authority paid no heed to my objection (and that of others) and granted permission. We appealed pointing out how  the proposal was clearly contrary to their own policy. The Commission agreed and refused  permission  for  that reason. 

The policy is that to allow building on open space, you have to show that there is no longer a demand to use the space and the same quantum is being supplied as a replacement. This was not the case here.

So, questions have to be asked: why did the Dublin City Housing Department  feel they could ignore stated Council policy ?  Local residents have been saying this to them for years but were ignored. Why didn't anyone in the City Council Planning Department cry halt? Why did no one in Planning tell the Housing Department of council policy as expressed in the Development Plan? Why did the Housing Department think they could proceed without following adopted planning policy? Will there be any internal review of the amount of years and cost wasted in relation to ignoring the planning context?  Why do organisations wilfully ignore the constraints when it does not suit them?

The only good thing to come out of this is that it confirms we are fortunate to have an Appeals Commission who make their decisions based solely on the principles of proper planning and sustainable development of an area.
https://lnkd.in/dmrMbDP3