New apartment complex will not impact on city river vista, An Bord Pleanála rules

A 302-apartment development on Horgan’s Quay will not damage the vista across the River Lee or impact negatively on traffic, An Bord Pleanála has ruled.

Documents released by the planning authority have rejected the submissions of appellants to the project which claimed the largest apartment complex to be built in recent years would contribute to the “obliteration” of the view across the river to the north bank.

On appellant had also stated that there was “nothing unique or exceptional about this newly proposed development”.

They added it was a “base standard box construction with no characteristics deserving of prominence”.

However, inspector Fiona Fair said the proposed development would constitute an acceptable residential density in the area which is slated for regeneration. She added it would not seriously injure the visual amenity of the area, would be acceptable in terms of urban design, height and quantum of development and would not impact on pedestrian and traffic safety.

“The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” Ms Fair added.

The board agreed with Ms Fair’s recommendation and decided that an environmental impact assessment report for the proposed development was not necessary.

Official confirmation has now been given that permission has been granted for the development subject to a number of conditions including the provision of mitigation against risk of flooding; the developer must prevent any mud, dirt, debris or building material being carried onto or placed on the public road or adjoining property; a financial contribution for public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area; satisfactory completion and maintenance until taken in charge by the local authority of roads, footpaths, watermains, drains, public open space and other services.

The developer must also pay to the planning authority a financial contribution toward the Cork Suburban Rail Project.

Building work could start early next year on the apartment scheme facing Horgan’s Quay and Railway Street, which will be delivered as part of the HQ Horgan's Quay joint-venture project involving BAM and Clarendon Properties, which includes a 136-bed hotel and some 400,000 square feet of office space.

Work on what will become The Dean Hotel Cork, overlooking the city’s train station, and the office element, overlooking the River Lee, is well advanced.