Portland Row sports pitch saved as Dublin housing plan refused

A win for Portland Row

As The Journal reported, the ruling followed a local campaign backed by Olympic boxing champion Kellie Harrington.

The planning appeals body overturned Dublin City Council’s decision to grant permission for the scheme, which would have removed the Mixed Use Games Area at nearby Aldborough Place.

The development, proposed by Dublin City Council and Tuath Housing Association, comprised 49 homes.

Why the 49-home development was blocked

An Coimisiún Pleanála found that the loss of the play area would materially contravene the Dublin City Development Plan’s policy protecting existing sports and recreational facilities.

While the proposed development was a “high quality and coherent urban scheme”, the applicant had failed to demonstrate there was “no long term need” for the facility, or that it would be replaced by an equivalent in a suitable location.

The decision was deemed “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”. For more on planning rows around the capital, follow the latest news from Dublin.