Tech Entrepreneur Issues Judicial Review Proceedings Against An Bord Pleanála As He Objects To New Housing Estate Near Glebe House

Glebe House has been subject to ongoing planning disputes for the last four years, as Mr Roden has raised a series of objections to proposals to develop houses and apartments at the site

Tech entrepreneur Mark Roden has issued judicial review proceedings against An Bord Pleanála after the planning authority gave the green light for a new estate which he has previously objected to, according to the Irish Independent. 

Mr Roden, who founded mobile top-up company Ding, is seeking to overturn the granting of permission for 19 residential units at Glebe House, Straffan Road.

Glebe House has been subject to ongoing planning disputes for the last four years, as Mr Roden has raised a series of objections to proposals to develop houses and apartments at the site.

The multimillionaire owns a €3m property behind where the proposed development will be built.

In 2020, developer Padraic Ryan applied for permission for 18 new two-storey houses, which would include multiple three-bed, four-bed and five-bed properties.

He also looked to convert and refurbish Glebe House to create four apartments, and refurbish Coach House, an existing two-storey building, into a one-bed dwelling.

Kildare County Council refused permission due to the site being a protected structure, as well as concerns of traffic congestions.

Mr Roden and his wife, Nicola Roden, were among seven people who made submissions objecting to the development.

Mr Ryan made an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, and approval was granted for the conversion of four apartments and the refurbishment of Coach House.

The refusal for the 18 new properties was upheld.

Mr Ryan again applied for planning in 2021, this time for 22 residential units, including 18 two-storey houses and two apartment blocks containting two apartments each.

Mr Roden objected to this planning.

However, Kildare County Council granted permission with conditions, as it only approved the construction of 20 units, rather than the proposed 22.

Mr Roden then appealed against this decision to An Bord Pleanála, who despite being recommended by an inspector's report to refuse planning, granted permission with conditions.

An Bord Pleanála also ordered for the number of units to be reduced to 19.

Mr Roden has lodged proceedings against An Bord Pleanála and the Housing Minister Darragh O' Brien.

He is being represented by FP Logue Solicitors, a firm that specialises in taking judicial review cases.