REVISED plans to build more than 200 homes on the outskirts of Swords has been shot down by the planning appeals authority on the grounds that it would 'give rise to a low standard residential environment'. Albany Homes has lost out on its bid to construct the new estate, close to Drynam Hall, Melrose Park and Kinsealy Downs, after An Bord Pleanála upheld a decision by Fingal County Council to reject the plan.

A previous application for 205 units had been granted permission by Fingal County Council but the revised application sought to build 214 units.

In its decision to refuse permission, the county council considered that the additional units had been added at the expense of the previously well designed groupings of houses.

It rejected the proposal on the grounds that it was contrary to the Development Plan policy of creating high quality residential environments.

It also stated that the revisions were substandard in comparison to the permitted development in the area and that it fell short of policies and objectives to allow for life long use of dwellings.

In its appeal to An Bord Pleanála, Albany Homes contended that the proposal maintained general development parameters in terms of layout, density, housing mix and scale.

It stated that each housing type complied with standards in quality housing guidelines and that house scale, density and finishes of earlier phases were reflected in the proposed design.

However, in its decision, the planning appeals' inspector refused permission on the grounds that it would give rise to a low standard residential environment.

He cited the excessive level of on-street parking and poorly laid out private open spaces in the proposal, as well as its failure to minimum standards set within Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities 2007 and Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for Apartments 2007.

He added that the proposal would be of 'poor visual and design quality' and would be out of character with the prevailing pattern of residential development in the vicinity.

He added that it would be 'in conflict with the policy of the planning authority to ensure the provision of high quality new residential environment with good layout and design'.

It would seriously injure the amenities of future residents and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

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