The premises at Stokes Place on St Stephen’s Green South and Harcourt Street currently accommodates the Dublin HQ of KPMG. The new proposal involves the demolition of the existing office complex and the construction of an eight-storey office block.

Plans were first lodged for the scheme in January 2021, with permission granted by Dublin City Council that September, despite local opposition. The plan was granted permission on the basis that the number of planned floors be reduced by one, to keep with local aesthetics.

The appeals board granted planning permission after concluding that the proposed development would constitute an acceptable quantum of development in this accessible urban location, would not seriously injure the amenities of surrounding properties, or seriously detract from the character or built heritage of the area.

Davy Target Investments, which owns neighbouring buildings appealed the council’s decision to grant permission for the project back in 2021. A management company for 18 owners of apartments of the adjacent Russell Court Apartments, Padamul Ltd and Olive English also appealed.