Plans have been submitted for a massive Dublin tower amid simmering discontent that the development will dwarf its historic neighbours.

Concerns have been raised about the sheer scale of the 11-storey structure, designed to replace the city’s former motor tax office.

Particular apprehensions have been voiced regarding the positioning of the new building, which will rise behind the historic Four Courts.

However, the project, described as a "beacon" for regeneration, has been given the go-ahead by the city council.

Plans are now afoot to demolish the former motor tax office.

Developer Linders of Smithfield has not defined its anticipated tenants for the future tower, but it is expected to attract workers from the nearby court district.

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The ground floor will be allocated for commercial services.

Dublin City Council said the development would play a critical role in the future sustainability of the currently "under-performing" area.

"The planning authority is of the opinion that the proposed development provides for an appropriate mixed-use development of the highest quality that balances the recognised needs for retail/commercial spaces at this sensitive historic location," the council said.

The submitted application said a smaller seven-storey element of the block will correspond to the "shoulder height" of the Four Courts and surrounding buildings.

The 11-storey section is intended to be a "beacon" for the wider regeneration of the area.

The statement suggested: "The taller element of the proposed building is no taller than the dome and is rightfully subservient to this historic structure,

"Yet still of a scale and proportion significant enough to signal the large regeneration project and denote the location of a new vibrant urban quarter in the city.

"The taller, slender 11-storey section is to act as a marker that signifies the regeneration of the markets area,

"The aspiration for the building from the outset was to create something that is visually striking and of a quality that befits its location both along the Luas corridor and as the gateway to the markets regeneration area."

(PR)