Grounds for a successful appeal to An Bord Pleanala

Alex Forrest

I live in a first floor apartment located beside a proposed development of a visitor centre, which was recently granted planning permission by Dublin City Council. The proposal is to demolish the existing two storey buildings on the site and build a three storey visitor centre. As I live on the first floor this increase in height will block sunlight from entering my apartment in the morning, as my living room window faces east and the visitor centre will be about three metres outside my window to the south east. There is already a large tree to the east in grounds owned by Dublin City Council, which already blocks light entering my apartment. A daylight analysis report was submitted by the applicant which stated that annual percentage probable sunlight hours in my apartment would decrease from 33% to 20% post development, with the winter percentage probable sunlight hours decreasing from 10% to 4%. I have the right of appeal to An Bord Pleanala having made already made submission to Dublin City Council about this.

I would just like to ask the advice of anyone here on this forum who has knowledge of planning:
Would I have grounds for a successful appeal to An Bord Pleanala on the basis of a loss of sunlight, and the probable loss in value to my apartment if the development goes ahead? Also some other residents in my apartment complex have expressed concerns that during the demolition and construction phase access to our underground car park will be disrupted, as the proposed development is next door to the car park entrance. The visibilty of oncoming traffic may also be affected for those exiting the car park.

Any views or comments would be gratefully appreciated. Also if anyone could could PM me the contact details of a planner they have worked with who could assist me with an appeal, I would be very grateful.