Local residents have appealed a County Council decision allowing property developer Bill Doyle to build houses in the grounds of Barrington Tower.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council granted Doyle permission to build 158 houses and apartments in the grounds of the house on Brennanstown Road, in Carrickmines, Dublin 18.

Doyle's application was originally approved, subject to a number of conditions. He would have to contribute nearly €1.2 million towards the extension of the Luas to Cherrywood, give €750,000 to park and community use and donate €2.4 million for other projects.

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However, residents have lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against the decision - on the grounds that development of the 8.6 acre site would have a "detrimental impact" on traffic on the already "saturated" Brennanstown Road and worsen traffic congestion in Cabinteely village.

Cabinteely and District Residents' Association said granting planning permission would be "premature" pending the arrival of a local area plan.

The Barrington Tower property includes a granite tower, which dates back to 1830 when the Barrington family lived there. Their remains are buried in the Quaker graveyard that adjoins the property. The tower still overlooks a largely rural aspect, with views of Carrickmines Valley and the Leadmines Chimney.

Residents have also protested that the density and contemporary design of the development are out of keeping with the existing buildings.

(VB/JM)