asked the Minister for Local Government whether it is a fact that the proposed development on a large plan by way of numerous blocks of flats on the land known as Cranford, Stillorgan Road, Dublin was refused by the planning authority but on appeal was allowed; whether he is aware that the local residents strongly objected to the proposal but did not have an opportunity of making their case before the decision on appeal was given; whether having regard to this fact and to the strong local antagonism caused by this very extensive scheme of undue and unusual density he will reconsider or modify his decision and, before doing so, give an opportunity to the objectors to make their case in opposition so that he may have the full facts before him.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Development Plan.
On 13th May, 1966, Dublin Corporation refused to grant outline permission for the construction of five 14-storey and four 4-storey blocks of flats comprising approximately 600 dwelling units on the site in question, together with ancillary shopping development on the road frontage. An appeal against the decision was made to the Minister for Local Government. One local resident made representations to the Minister while the appeal was under consideration by him. The Minister by order dated 22nd September, 1966, granted the outline permission sought subject to nine conditions designed to improve the appearance and layout of the proposed development and to protect the amenities of other property in the vicinity. I have no power to reconsider or modify this decision.
I have received appeals from local residents against the decision of the Corporation on 24th November, 1967, to grant full permission subject to conditions for flat development on the site in general accord with the outline permission referred to. I have also received appeals from local residents against the Corporation's decision on 21st December, 1967, to grant approval subject to conditions for the commercial development proposed for the frontage of the site. An oral hearing of the appeal has been sought and this will be arranged as soon as possible.
Does the Minister not agree that there is a defect in the procedure prescribed by the Act where the planning authority refuses permission and the person applying for authority wishes to appeal, and the persons who wish to object to that do not know that an appeal is being made and get no notice of it? Very often, as in this particular case, the local residents have no knowledge of the appeal. Will the Minister set up some sort of procedure in the Department to enable a matter of that kind, where there is an appeal by the planners against the decision of the local authority, so that the local objectors will have notice of the planning appeal and may be able to attend if they wish?
Notice has to be given that an application for planning permission is being made. At that stage the people who object to the proposal may disclose their interest to the planning authority. They have to be notified of the decision.
Subsequent to the decision, they get no notice whatever.
If they make their interest known when the notice appears, they will have an opportunity then.
They can have their representations heard by the planning authority. If the planning authority refuse permission and there is an appeal, those objectors who have made objection get no notice and very often they do not know that an appeal has been lodged with the Minister. Would the Minister consider remedying that?
I agree that anybody who notifies an interest at the stage when the original application is made should be notified of the decision.
The Minister knows that this is not, in fact, done at the present time.
I agree it should be done.