Appeal lodged against plans for 155 homes and apartments in Waterford
The development consists of detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, along with 42 apartments in four three-storey duplex apartment blocks. It was given the green-light by Waterford planners on Wednesday, April 16, with Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuinness describing the decision as 'a very positive step for Dungarvan at a time when the need for housing is acute'.
Local resident John McGrath raised concerns about the development to WCCC, in relation to the master plan, traffic congestion, and environment.
Mr McGrath wrote that the subject site provides access to a larger land bank which should be subject to a master plan for the area. A master plan should be developed 'in the first instance.'
'I would suggest therefore that this development is premature in that a master plan should now be drawn up for the entire area. A zoning map of the area with some notes, a creche and a spine road included as part of this planning submission does not constitute a master plan. The absence of a master plan is simply not acceptable as certain infrastructural, social and community obligations are being neglected or worse ignored.'
Under traffic congestion, Mr McGrath maintained that a previous planning grant for a much smaller development on the subject site was conditioned by the council 'such that the developer was to contribute towards a new roundabout at the junction of the L-3168 and the N25. Five years on, a much larger development is now proposed for the site with no consideration been given for a roundabout at the junction of the N25 and the L-3168'.
Traffic models prepared as part of the planning submission suggest that the project should be developed in advance of upgrading work to the local road network. 'As a local resident I would respectfully suggest that one must question the suitability and validity of the Traffic Impact Assessment and its findings,' he wrote.
Additionally, in 2022, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for 218 housing units on the opposite side of the same road as the subject development.
'This grant was issued despite huge opposition from local stakeholder groups whose concerns were vast and varied,' wrote Mr McGrath. 'Some concerns were raised concerning infrastructure.
"While the most robust opposition came from those with regards to environmental concerns, I wish to ask the local authority to consider the concerns raised by local stakeholders and in particular the environmental concerns which were presented with much gusto and hype before making any decision regarding permission on the subject site.
'In conclusion, I would ask WCCC to refuse planning permission for this development in its present application format,' added Mr McGrath. The case is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála on or before September 1 next.
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