Joe Elliott's 5-metre sculpture in Dublin home sparks driver distraction concerns
Planning permission has been granted for a 4.8-metre high stone sculpture in the grounds of Joe Elliott's south Dublin home, despite opposition from a neighbor who claims the structure will pose a hazardous distraction to motorists. The neighbor, Louise Harrison, argues that the sculpture's location will create a dangerous situation for drivers.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved the installation of the tall structure in the rock singer's garden at his home in Stepaside House, Stepaside, Co Dublin. The planning application for the development was made in the name of Elliott's wife, Christine Wunschel.
The Commission rejected an appeal by Ms. Harrison, who claimed the sculpture would cause significant noise and disruption. She argued that there were continuous works in the couple's garden, with noise levels impacting her daily life, and that she had to wear earmuffs or vacate her house due to the noise, which she compared to the sound of an aircraft taking off.
Ms. Wunschel responded by asserting that all development on the site had been investigated and that no unauthorized works were taking place. She claimed the sculpture would be screened by a two-metre boundary wall and a line of mature trees, and that it was over 46 meters away from Ms. Harrison's home.
This is not the first time Elliott has faced opposition from neighbors. Over the past five years, he has secured planning permission to retain several unauthorized developments, including an extension, a children's tree house, and an unenclosed gazebo structure. A report by an inspector noted that enforcement files had been opened on the site but were subsequently closed or rectified.
The inspector concluded that the sculpture would be well-screened from the public road and would not negatively impact noise levels. It is located almost three meters below the southern entrance to the Elliotts' home and at a lower level than the public road, addressing concerns about driver distraction.
