Dalkey couple refused permission for house revamp to include private spa

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by Irish Times, click this post to read the original article.

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has refused planning permission to plans by a couple for a house revamp that includes a private spa comprising a steam room, sauna and sunken hot tub.

In the latest twist concerning a long-running planning battle between applicants, Rory and Yulianna Finegan and their neighbours at Knocknacree Park, Dalkey, Co Dublin, the council refused permission to the couple for the almost complete demolition of their present home and the construction of a new family home.

The council decision is the fifth time the Finegans have been refused planning permission to redevelop their home since 2022.

Before the current refusal, the council and An Coimisúin Pleanála (ACP) had each refused planning permission twice for the two separate redevelopment proposals.

The property was purchased for €1 million in 2021.

In the current scheme the Finegans were proposing a “retrofit” and upgrading of their 236sq m 1960s two-storey over sub-basement dwelling. It would be extended to a 388sq m dwelling to include the ground-level private spa.

However, the proposals sparked opposition among neighbours with 15 submissions lodged, including one from the Knocknacree Park Residents Association.

On behalf of the association, James Holahan said it was objecting as the proposal involved the unnecessary destruction of a habitable and unique dwelling.

Holahan said the proposal was out of all proportion – especially height – to the existing homes in the area, representing “another assault on the ambience and visual impact” of the area.

Local resident Paul Engel told the council how “the proposal for a huge underground spa would entail extensive drilling into granite with the accompanying nuisance of noise and dust over a long period”.

In its refusal, the council said the proposal would not accord with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Plan policy as a strong justification had not been provided for the significant scope of demolition works proposed on site.

The council has ruled that the proposed development, if permitted, would set an undesirable precedent for the demolition of existing habitable dwellings.

The Finegans now have the option of appealing the refusal to ACP.

Rory Finegan is the founder and chief executive of Dublin-based accountancy firm Beyond Accounting, where Yulianna Finegan is also listed as a shareholder.

In the planning report lodged with the application, planning consultant Kevin Hughes stated that “the proposal represents a high-quality and contextually sensitive design that respects the established residential character of Knocknacree Park while providing a modern and efficient home for contemporary family living”.

Hughes said: “The proposed development represents a sustainable, policy-compliant enhancement of the existing dwelling that achieves the council’s aims for compact growth, improved energy efficiency and high-quality residential design.”