Permission for development of 469 homes in Mallow appealed
Reside (Castlepark) Ltd made the application last November for a mix of 305 houses and 164 apartments, along with a creche and café, at Castlepark, Castleislands in the north Cork town.
However, objections to the plans were raised by local residents, and planners at the council requested further information before granting planning permission.
In a statement on behalf of the applicants, McCutcheon Halley Planning Consultants said the proposals would 'contribute to the population targets and housing yield' aimed for in Mallow under the county's development plan.
It pointed out that the current site near the existing Castlepark estate and the Scoil Aonghusa Community National School consists of undeveloped lands that had previously had permission, but for which the works were never finished.
It proposed to build the 469 housing units in three phases, with the first phase seeing 188 homes built along with a greenway, public park, creche and café.
'The proposed development will result in the creation of a sustainable residential community, and we consider that the proposed development will provide for a much-needed range of housing options in Mallow,' it said.
'The proposed development is located on zoned lands within Mallow's development boundary that has been identified for residential development within the Cork County Development Plan.'
However, four separate submissions, including from a local residents group, raised concerns to An Bord Pleanála about the plans. Traffic was a key concern, as was the existing lack of infrastructure in the area, the potential loss of play areas for children and the impact on existing homes near the site.
One said: 'St Joseph's Road is already a nightmare to navigate in the mornings and afternoons, so the additional cars on the road are of great concern. This will be a major inconvenience and cause much longer commute times.'
Another added: 'We ended up picking this house as it feels like we are living in the countryside. It is peaceful and feels safe. Once this development is built close to us we are basically going to be living in the middle of a housing estate as opposed to being on the periphery like we are now.'
Despite these concerns, Cork County Council ultimately decided to grant planning permission for the development after seeking further information from the applicant.
Two parties have subsequently lodged appeals with An Bord Pleanála over the green light given to the development. An Bord Pleanála has not yet set a date for when its decision will be made.
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