An Bord Pleanala has given a controversial Dún Laoghaire development the green light, according to newspaper reports.

The development, situated beside a golf club, includes 856 residential properties, office space and retail units. The plans also incorporate an eight-acre park and a lake, all which have been proposed by Cosgrave Developments.

Last year the original plans were given the go-ahead by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council, resulting in 16 objections to the decision. The most vocal opposition came from the Combined Residents to Save Open Space (CRSOS), which represents 43 residents' associations.

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In 2002 Cosgrave purchased the 78-acre golf club site, at Ballyman Glen, for €20 million.

Following the deal former Irish Environment Minister Martin Cullen re-zoned the land under the 2000 Planning Act, this move was aimed at providing the council with greater powers to grant more housing planning.

It has been reported that An Bord Pleanála has now granted planning permission to Cosgrave, under 58 conditions. This will include the firm providing financial provisions for a bus service, linking the new project with Dún Laoghaire Dart station.

A Cosgrave spokesperson has said the firm is "absolutely delighted and thrilled" by the decision, having already received 600 public enquiries about the development.

"There is huge pent-up demand and a huge shortage of houses and apartments in the area for new housing. We have had more inquiries about this than any site we’ve ever been involved with over the last 30 years."

However, the news was not welcomed by Green Party councillor and CRSOS Chair Gene Feighney, who said residents has been left "heartbroken" by the decision.

(PR/JM)