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Carlton site development set for appeal

Thursday, 29 January 2009

THE approval for the redevelopment of the former Carlton Cinema site has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala. Ten appeals were lodged on the back of Dublin City Council’s decision to grant permission for Chartered Land’s controversial plans on December 15. The proposal, known for its ‘park in the sky’ feature, includes the redevelopment of the city block that bounds Parnell Street, Moore Street, Henry Street and O’Connell Street Upper. The National Conservation and Heritage Group (NCHG) were among those who appealed the approval. Damien Cassidy outlined why he and his group believe the plans are unacceptable. “The plan would destroy the ambience of the street which has been enjoyed and renowned for hundreds of years,” he told Northside People. “People and tourists like to see a uniform street but there would be no uniformity if this so called ‘park in the sky’ is approved. “The present ambience of O’Connell Street is as it was in 1916 with how the Georgian buildings are presented but I fear that would change dramatically if the planning went through.” In the NCHG objection to Dublin City Council, which was seen by Northside People, the group state that “the developer’s plan is to compromise the national monuments both in O’Connell Street amendments and in Moore Street reducing the level of certain floors and by other amendments”. “What is the ‘park in the sky’ supposed to achieve?” the NCHG asked of the council. “A carnival atmosphere in a trading area, a curiosity point in the middle of the street which has been renowned for classical architecture such as the Gresham Hotel, the Savoy Cinema, Hammam buildings, the GPO and the Northern Bank?’ The Conservation and Heritage Group are also concerned for the future of Moore Street. “Is it proposed that the surrender headquarters of the 1916  leaders might be turned into a trinket shop, or that the National Monument might be allowed to have its fate decided by an entrepreneur,” the appeal states. “We believe that this development will see the end of street trading in Moore Street as we know it. “For the record it is a misnomer to say that there is anything ‘iconic’ in anything in the proposals.” A spokesperson for Dublin City Council confirmed that its decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala. “This means the board will make the final decision,” said the spokesperson. “They are not statute bound to decide within a given timeframe.” A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanala revealed that the appeal would be based on an 18-week target timeframe which expires on May 18. “However, a decision can take longer in some cases and may involve an oral hearing,” he told Northside People.