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Plans for almost 500 new homes put on hold after 34 families try to block development

Plans for large-scale residential development of almost 500 new homes in Mallow are being put on hold following an appeal to An Bord Pleanála by a group of 34 families in the north Cork town. The group are challenging the decision by Cork County Council to grant development firm, Reside (Castlepark) Limited, planning permission for 469 residential units on a 18.2-hectare site at Castlepark on St Joseph's Road, Mallow, Co Cork. Advertisement The plans provide for a mix of 305 detached and semi-detached houses, townhouses and bungalows and 164 apartments and duplex units. A total of 94 units will be made available for social and affordable housing. Other facilities including a creche with a community room and interpretative centre/café. The proposed development is strongly opposed by a group of residents from St Joseph's Road and Aldworth Heights in Mallow who claim it is premature. Advertisement 'Local residents have grave concerns on the lack of local infrastructure and amenities, unsafe, unsuitable and dangerous narrow local roads, very poor and unsafe footpaths, and no cycleways in the Saint Joseph's Road area,' said the group's secretary, Frank Heffernan. The group have also expressed concern that the new housing estate would create traffic gridlock in the area. 'St Joseph's Road currently lacks local community-based services, community facilities and neighbourhood amenities, not to mind the current realities of inadequate roads, poor and unsafe pedestrian footpaths, no cycle paths, and no local public transport,' said Mr Heffernan. The group argue no further large-scale residential developments should be allowed in the area until the Mallow Relief Road is operational. Advertisement They claim the relief road is 'absolutely essential' due to concern about several new housing developments in Mallow which they claim will add 1,350 new homes to the south-east of the town. Ireland Mayo housing official calls for boycott of holiday... Read More Residents have called on Cork County Council to adopt a strategic planning approach to progress the various residential developments in the pipeline in the area. Mr Heffernan stressed that local residents have no objection to any new housing developments in the area once they are designed and built 'in a balanced, integrated and effective' way. Reside said the development had been designed 'to provide high-quality homes that will contribute positively to Mallow where demand for housing has been consistent.' A ruling by An Bord Pleanála on the appeal is expected in early September.