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Dublin Road Development

A very recent and interesting project is the proposed development on the Dublin Road. This proposed residential scheme of 32 apartment units is located in an area with an excellent range of amenities and facilities in immediate proximity to the site. These amenities include high quality landscaped spaces in the form of the existing mature gardens and house, a town centre location with a variety of retail, leisure and employment opportunities, close proximity to schools and excellent transport links to Drogheda train station and bus corridors on the Dublin Road. These elements will help to ensure that the proposed residential development will result in a good neighbourhood which is centrally located and easily connected to a wide variety of amenities expected in a town centre location with the added enjoyment of a mature park land setting to satisfy open space requirements.

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The proposed residential development has been designed to respond to the existing context in a natural way by placing new contemporary buildings within this parkland setting defined by the mature trees and the existing dwelling. Working with the scale of the site defined by the large trees, garden, and existing gable widths the overall form of the proposed scheme appears integrated with its surroundings in a natural way. The massing of the proposed development has been designed having taken into consideration of the amenity of those adjoining the site. The proposed new developments steps up in scale with the southern block being a smaller building, 3 storeys in height and the north block stepping up to 5 storeys. The scale of the existing mature trees were considered to be an opportunity to inform the overall scale and massing of the development while at the same time respecting the site’s specific character which is defined by its landscape and existing dwelling.

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The form and layout of the architectural arrangement on the plan has been informed by an analysis of the existing surroundings to ensure existing features and the site’s character are retained in so far as is practical. The layout of the building forms creates forecourts and courtyards externally which are appropriate in a garden setting as they provide enclosures and spaces that act as thresholds from buildings to landscape. The proposed development positively contributes to the site’s character and neighbourhood through the protection and integration of existing site features such as mature trees, landscaping, and the existing dwelling. The retention of the parkland setting will provide identity and help to add quality external spaces, enhancing the existing situation by utilising the site to provide homes and amenity for a variety of people in the neighbourhood.

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The boundary at the east of the site comprises a cut stone wall to the busy Dublin Road and the mature trees act as a buffer to the interior of the site. These mature trees create a woodland type of environment and another similar such pocket is provided at the north of the site. The south / west boundary comprises established hedging which provides an enclosure to south and west facing orchards and landscaped gardens. The fruit trees will flower in the spring-time and provide fruit at the end of summer/autumn, creating a specific atmosphere and continuing to provide character to this part of the site. Retaining the existing boundaries where this is possible, ensures that the site’s character amenity and ecological value are protected.

The proposed development has been welcomed by the local authority and they have issued a decision to grant planning permission. The application is currently subject to an appeal to An Bord Pleanala.

by Richard Hatch

Dublin Road Development

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