Heritage body An Taisce has slammed a council for failing to put Bono's house on its list of protected buildings -- despite repeated requests from the body.

The organisation complained that three requests to list the U2 star's Killiney mansion have been ignored.

An Taisce said it was "disappointed" with the failure to list the Vico Road property, as it objected to Bono's plans for an extension.

The group is the only objector to the U2 singer's plans for Temple Hill, currently being examined by officials at Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Disappointed

"Temple Hill falls within a conservation area as set out in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan," An Taisce's objection states.

"Temple Hill was recommended for addition to the record of protected structures by An Taisce on three previous occasions, we are disappointed to note that the council has failed to list this unique house on the council's record of protected structures".

The submission was made to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council at the last minute before the date for objections had passed.

It means that, even if the council grants permission for Bono's revamp, An Taisce is entitled to appeal against the decision to An Bord Pleanala, delaying the project for months.

The objection also says the extension would distract from two protected structures -- Enya's Ayesha Castle and Killiney Hill Obelisk.

According to An Taisce: "a more sympathetic extension with a similar design and finish to the original house should be considered".

"The visual assessment submitted with the application clearly shows the proposal would be out of keeping with the area as viewed from the Dart line, approaching public road and Killiney Strand," the objection adds.

The planning application revealed the rock star reviewed a proposal to tear down his Killiney mansion and construct a new house but he rejected this idea.

He and wife Ali decided demolition would be inappropriate and were "keen to retain the existing building".

The details were contained in a letter by his architect Colin Jennings to the county council.

Bono and Ali have applied to add a completely new second floor, including an en suite master bedroom and his and her wardrobes, to their home.

Conservatory

The couple also want to add a lower ground floor conservatory to the house.

The proposed conservatory will be accessed through the kitchen and living room.

- Andrew Phelan