Dublin Skyscraper Proposal Refused

In a move that surprises no-one, Dublin City Council have refused planning permission to the Digital Hub project, the tallest building yet proposed in the Republic of Ireland. Citing two major complaints, the planning board believed that the unprecedented height would impact negatively on the area and that secondly, the scheme had no public space except around the podium. Proposed by Manor Park Homes, the development was towers of 171 metres and 124 metres connected by a 4 floor central podium. It has been designed by designed local firm, de Blacam & Meagher Architects, who aped the slender crystalline look that is favoured by Renzo Piano. The rejection of the buildings based on height is little surprise given that the nearest approved "tall" building is a mere 12 floors although there are nearby buildings proposed up to around 16 floors. Indeed, the developer used this as an attempt to excuse the sheer height of what they planned by arguing that if one company can get a 12 floor building approved against the planning rules then they should be allowed to get a 51 level skyscraper through planning permission. Even with the building being considered by many as architecturally well designed, there is plenty of evidence that the location of the site is unsuitable, even excluding the existing height restrictions. The main problem is the lay of the land which has the scheme located on a hill thus increasing the sensitivity. It's fairly common for developers to stake out a claim by using specifications greater than would be allowed to reach a compromise but rarely do developers take such an extreme approach. It should be interesting to see what Manor Park do next given they have been kicked straight back into the long grass but if they are going to stick with this one they'll be resubmitting something shorter and it'll be gradually haggled down in size until it's acceptable.