Planning body rejects Dublin high-rise plan

An Bord Pleanála has rejected controversial plans by developer Sean Dunne to build a 37-storey tower in the Ballsbridge area of south Dublin.

The tower formed part of a planned €1.5bn development at the site of the Jury's and Berkely Court hotels, which Mr Dunne bought for €379m in 2005.

Last year, Dublin City Council approved most of the development, but refused to grant permission for the high-rise tower.

Mr Dunne appealed this to An Bord Pleanála, but the body has today rejected the entire plan, saying it would represent a gross over-development of the site.

The ruling also says the development would be highly obstructive and would seriously injure the amenities of the area, as well as diverting retail activity away from other designated areas.