An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning permission for an apartment block in Gortamullin, Kenmare.
James O’Connor had appealed a Kerry County Council decision to refuse the development.
He had proposed a three-storey building with three two-bedroom apartments and six one-bedroom units.
Kerry County Council rejected the plan on several grounds including a lack of on-site parking.
Twelve spaces were required, but non were provided.
The developer planned for residents to use a nearby public car park.
One set-down space would have been provided and there wouldn't be a continuous footpath.
The council warned the development would create congestion and traffic hazards, setting an undesirable precedent.
Local residents raised further objections.
These included the height being out of character with nearby two-storey buildings, flood risks, loss of light and privacy, and potential anti-social behaviour around communal areas.
Mr O’Connor argued that similar projects had been approved without parking.
He also submitted an alternative design, involving a two-storey building with six apartments, eight car spaces and a smaller communal garden.
However, the inspector ruled that the scheme was too dense, more than double recommended levels for the edge of a town.
The reliance on a public car park was deemed unrealistic.
The inspector said the single set-down space would obstruct sightlines and that the design failed to meet urban standards set out in the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).
