Dundrum appeal: The shopping centre’s owners, led by Hammerson and Allianz, say they are concerned at the scale of an extension to The Park

The owners of Dundrum Town Centre are leading the opposition to plans by Iput for a new retail and residential development at Carrickmines in south Dublin.

Last month, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council gave the green light for the 83,996 sq m development which comprises a neighbourhood centre including two supermarkets along with 130 residential units and a seven-to-eight-screen cinema that will involve the third phase of The Park, Carrickmines.

Well-known retail brands including PC World, Smyths Toys, TK Maxx, Lifestyle Sports, Harvey Norman and McDonald's already operate in the first two phases of The Park.

The planning authority granted planning having regard to the high quality of the scheme's overall design concept, its zoning and that the site is well served by public transport.

Now, the Dundrum Retail Limited Partnership (DRLP) representing Dundrum Town Centre along with movies@dundrum Ltd have appealed against the council decision to An Bord Pleanála.

Hammerson and Allianz-owned firm, DRLP has told the appeals board that it is concerned over the scale of the proposal and has requested the appeals board stage an oral hearing.

In the appeal, consultants for DRLP argue that the permission "would send a very negative message of uncertainty to funders and investors seeking to invest in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown and in particular those investing in major town centre and district centres in the county".

Movies@Dundrum is operated by the Spurling family who also operate multiplexes at Dungarvan, Gorey and Swords. Consultants for Movies@Dundrum say that the case for the proposed cinema "is completely absent".

Iput has also appealed against the conditions attached to the council decision stating some attached "have the potential to significantly affect the viability and deliverability of the development".

Some of the conditions that Iput is appealing including the condition that the firm pay €7.1m in planning contributions to the council and an additional €5.7m towards Luas works. Iput consultant John Spain told the council that proposed development will generate additional economic activity in the area.

Irish Independent