SOUTH Dublin County Council has agreed to inspect a new apartment development in Clondalkin that may be in breach of planning regulations.
In January, Dublin Gazette reported that up to 50 apartments at former Liffey Valley Fitness on Coldcut Road were advertised for rent despite the fact that planning permission had only been granted for 27 units.
A motion brought by Cllr Madeleine Johansson was passed at the recent Clondalkin Area Committee to write a letter to the owner of the site, Cavvies Ltd, and the letting agent, Ray Cooke Auctioneers, expressing concern with planning compliance at the site.
The motion also called on the council to inspect the site which has been agreed. Cllr Johansson said:
“I have expressed concern regarding this site on a number of occasions and I am happy to hear that South Dublin County Council will inspect the site as a matter of priority.
“On the other hand, it is very disappointing that no decision has been made by An Bord Pleanala on the appeal despite the fact that a decision was due on January 24.
“I have also asked for the site to be inspected for fire safety, as I was contacted by someone anonymously who raised concern that fire safety measures were not in line with regulation.
“Tenants have already begun to move in to these units and it is extremely disappointing that any developer or landlord would act in a way that may put their tenants at risk.”
At the time of going to press, theapartments were still available for rent on Daft.ie, with only three-bed apartments still available at rent starting from €2,000 per month.
In response to Cllr Johansson’s motion, South Dublin County Council confirmed that permission had only been granted for 27 units.
The report from the council said: “The council’s decision to refuse permission is the subject of an appeal to An Bord Pleanala.
“The Board have extended the period for making a decision but have given no indication as to when a decision will be made.
“It would appear that development at Liffey Valley Fitness, Coldcut Road may not be in compliance with approved development and accordingly a Planning Enforcement investigation will be commenced.
