Planning Authority Rejects Six-Storey Hotel in Dublin Urgently

UPDATE: The planning authority has just refused a controversial proposal for a six-storey hotel on Baggot Street Lower in Dublin. The decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála impacts the plans submitted by Eamon Waters’s Sretaw Hotel Group for a 113-bedroom hotel at 15-16 Baggot Street Lower.

Authorities concluded that the development would overwhelm existing protected structures, severely damaging the architectural integrity of the area. This urgent ruling reinforces a prior denial from Dublin City Council, which had already raised similar concerns earlier this year.

The commission’s detailed report cited that the hotel would be “incongruous” with the established streetscape and detrimental to the adjacent conservation area. Officials stated that the proposed height of the building contravened the city’s height strategy and planning policies.

Peter McCann, General Manager of the nearby five-star Merrion Hotel, voiced significant concerns during the appeal process, labeling the hotel proposal as “over-scaled.” He highlighted that the construction could disrupt vital services to the Merrion Hotel. Notably, an assessment from the applicants acknowledged a moderate impact on the Merrion’s daylight, adding weight to McCann’s objections.

The commission’s inspector, Kathy Tuck, ultimately recommended refusal in her comprehensive 49-page report, emphasizing the potential negative consequences on the surrounding area.

In response, John Gannon, director at Tom Phillips + Co and representative for the applicants, expressed strong disagreement with the ruling. He argued that the hotel design was “sensitively” conceived and would not negatively affect the surrounding context. Gannon emphasized that the site is ideally located within 1 km of numerous tourist attractions, making it a valuable addition to Dublin’s hospitality landscape.

As the appeal process unfolds, the future of the proposed hotel remains uncertain. Stakeholders are left watching closely to see if further adjustments will be made or if additional appeals will follow. The decision is expected to have significant implications for future developments in the area, highlighting ongoing tensions between urban growth and heritage preservation in Dublin.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.