Student apartment development in Cork refused planning due to 'excessive' height

A computer-generated image of the planned student apartment development on Cork's Model Farm Road.

A proposed student apartment development on Cork's Model Farm Road has been refused planning due to its height.

Cork property developer Lyonshall was denied permission for its proposal to redevelop the former St Joseph's Convent and adjacent land to construct a 450- bed student apartment development.

The scheme was to be made up of three apartment blocks, ranging from two to five storeys, and include 42 apartments, which would range between three and six bedrooms.

The Irish Examiner reported last week the development had been blocked and the reasons for the refusal have since been made available.

Planners say the scheme was "considered to be excessive in height, scale and massing".

Additionally, it was considered the new building would "seriously injure" adjacent residential properties.

Overshadowing, density, and the visual impact of the new development were also all cited in the planning report into the proposal.

Lyonshall had previously confirmed it was examining the decision and considering an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

Rochestown apartments

Elsewhere, O'Flynn Construction has been granted permission to develop new apartments in Rochestown, Cork.

The developer had been granted permission by Cork City Council for the works, located at Clarkeswood, Rochestown.

But, first- and third- party appeals saw the matter referred to An Bord Pleanála, which has now upheld the initial decision.

The scheme is to be located on 1.61ha site south of Mount Oval, a small residential estate of detached houses. The N28 runs on the western boundary of the site.

The apartments would be built in three- to five- storey units.

In its initial application, the developer sought to build 45 apartments.

In granting planning, Cork City Council stipulated the scheme be reduced in size to 31, a reduction of 14 apartments.

The developer appealed this condition, noting it would reduce the scheme by almost one- third, describing it as "unreasonable".

The third-party appeals came from nearby residents, who raised issues such as traffic, overlooking, and the loss of open space.

An Bord Pleanála has upheld the local council's decision, granting permission for 31 apartments, not 45 as initially sought.