Cork business family appeal rejection of plans for upmarket boutique hotel in Dublin

In appeal documents, the Kilcolman Partnership stressed the preservation of the listed Georgian building was of 'paramount importance' to it

The proposed hotel. The Kilcolman Partnership, which is owned by the Corcoran family, want to develop a seven-storey, 30-bedroom hotel.

The operators of Kinsale's Perryville House have appealed a recent decision of Dublin City Council to reject their planning application to develop a new boutique hotel in a listed Georgian building near Dublin city centre.

The Kilcolman Partnership, which is owned by the Corcoran family, has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála to try and secure planning permission for the change of use of a building at the junction of Lower Baggot Street and Herbert Place to develop a seven-storey, 30-bedroom hotel.

The company is seeking to demolish an existing side extension to the building and construct a new seven-storey extension as well as make some internal alterations to the main building.

In refusing planning permission for the proposed boutique hotel, Dublin City Council said by virtue of its scale, bulk, height and design that it would detract from the setting, character and appearance of the protected structure and the Georgian Conservation Area.

Council planners said it would also be contrary to the stated provision of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 to encourage the establishment of sustainable, residential communities throughout the city. 

The Corcoran family bought the property last year for €3.5m with the intention of operating it as a family-run boutique hotel.

The Kilcolman Partnership says use of the rooms in the building as an office or apartment would be “inappropriate”, while arguing the proposed height of the extension is not significantly higher than the existing streetscape.

In planning documents, the Corcoran family said the concept of operating a hotel of exceptional quality in Dublin was “a long time in the making.” They claimed it had taken them 10 years to find a city centre landmark building with outstanding potential.

View of the proposed hotel from Baggot Street Bridge.

The family confirmed the proposed hotel would have a deliberate policy of only serving food and drink to residents. They stated they planned to serve breakfast “of exceptional quality” as well as afternoon tea and light snacks but would not be serving lunch or dinner due to the presence of several good quality restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

In appeal documents, the Kilcolman Partnership stressed the preservation of the building was of “paramount importance” to it. The Corcorans said they proposed to cater for “high net worth individuals seeking exceptional quality accommodation”. 

The plans by the Kilcolman Partnership have faced several objections from a number of groups and individuals.

An Taisce claimed the plans for the hotel would fundamentally change the corner site from how it has existed since Georgian times by constructing two modern blocks within the curtilage of the protected structure.

The Irish Georgian Society claimed the proposed loss of original built fabric is “excessive and can be avoided”.

A ruling on the case by An Bord Pleanála is expected towards the end of the year.

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