BEETLE

@lexington wrote:

Personally, I’m not really put out by the height when considered in an empirical context. The general height of buildings under development is not far off this project – and the prospect of further development at the adjoining Top Car site to the north and speculative redevelopment of the Cork Farm Centre (HSE offices) to the south, not forgetting Frinailla’s other plans to at Dennehy’s Cross. I think this route can accommodate such buildings but I would generally feel that any development approaching the residential areas near Dennehy’s Cross must be toned down. This height of building at this location would be unsuitable. The big thing with Robert White’s plans for a student development at the site, in a former application of 100-bedroom over 17-apartments at 5-storeys was indeed overshadowing. My memory of this application is not as precise as I’d like it to be, but if I remember correctly, the project exhibited a roof garden which allowed for overlooking back onto residencies at Ashbrook and Orchard Road. As far as I know, any terraces/balconies in the subject development are generally west facing onto Victoria Cross Road. In the 2003 application 2 units at the 4th floor were removed indeed from Kevin O’Keefe’s design – I personally feel the Frinailla design is a little better and though it peaks on 7-storeys, it doesn’t do so to any excessive effect. The adjoining development prospects at Top Car and Cork Farm Centre were not speculated at the time of the 2003 application, neither was the Justin Canty site now under development by Aras Developments. In that context, the Robert White plan was very imposing and did standout. I would posit that planners will address the Frinailla plan with a strategic outlook. As for the commercial unit, I don’t know what the intended usage is for sure beyond speculation. What are your own feelings on the design?

Hi there again. Thanks for your opinion recently on the Frinailla planning app. at Victoria Cross – I was away since and never got a chance to reply until now. I took a drive around the area – making this area in and around County Hall my summer study – and I have to say that I am really very divided with regard to how the area is shaping up. The Victoria Mills apartments look dire – just my opinion – but by God, the whole area from there upward towards Dennehy’s cross is under development. There are quite a lot of established residential dwellings nearby such as across from old Statoil station, Orchard Road and The Grove (Orchard Road), and then further up you have the homes on Model Farm Road and Wilton Road, There’s going to be a whole lot of people on the move there once college starts and this will increase over the next couple of years by the looks of things. Personally, I still think that the proposed Frinailla structure is too high and I’m not overly gone on the design either. But that’s just me, I wouldn’t particularly like the design of Farranlea Hall across from the Farm centre either, although the site works much better. The Frinailla site is very small and exiting could be dodgy, particularly if going in a northerly direction (probably would not be allowed). Still don’t know what the commercial unit is for – would prob guess some sort of shop or restaurant/cafe?? But the big question in my mind is regarding the future – what happens if the apartments in general don’t occupy fully? Rumour suggests that Victoria Mills has never filled completely during term-time – Can students afford this type of living? Fellow students tell me that rented houses are still cheaper and better craic. I still feel that ther area has had too many large apartment blocks constructed in a small general area. Personally, I feel that Frinailla won’t get the 6-7 proposed development, although CCC will possibly grant it or something not far off, but I wonder if Pleanala will uphold this, if it goes that far? Sorry for being so long winded. ALSO, I would love to see plans of the new proposed development near AIB at Victoria Cross/Western Road, How big is this site? Thanks very much. This site is unreal for gathering information – fantastic.