A co-living development that was set to be built at a historic north Dublin site has been refused planning permission.
The Western Way SHD proposal included 280 co-living units of up to nine storeys at the former Hendrons site in Broadstone in Dublin 7.
The site dates back to the 1940s and is one of the few modernist buildings on the capital's Record of Protected Structures.
Plans had been lodged just before the ban on co-living developments was signed into law on 22 December 2020.
Local Senator Marie Sherlock said An Bord Pleanala's decision to turn down the plan was a "relief" and a "vindication for those who have opposed co-living in the local community".
She said: “The proposal for the Hendron’s site is just one of a number of co-living and temporary accommodation applications in the north west inner city.
"Locally there is a very real concern about the over-concentration of co-living and other forms of temporary accommodation in the north-west inner city.
"At the time of this application, there were some 1,491 co-living units going through the planning system within a mile of the Hendrons site.
"The Co-living plan for the fruit and vegetable market has since been rejected, and we await news on the developments at the St Mary’s site, Phibsborough Shopping Centre and Frederick Street North.
“Furthermore, in Winter 2020, Dublin City Council granted permission for the temporary use of up to 1,325 student accommodation units as tourist and short term accommodation until May 2021 in the north inner city.
"These four units are located within just 1.1km of the Hendrons site, and add to the growing concerns about the proliferation of unsustainable, unaffordable housing among the community”.
She added that she hopes a conversation can be opened up on the "appropriate use of this important and unique site with significant industrial heritage".
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