An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for “fast-track” residential schemes comprising 464 residential units in Co Limerick and Co Cork.
However, in a third strategic housing development decision, concerns over the possible impact on otters and kingfisher birds have put paid to plans for a €40 million 101-unit apartment scheme at Oranmore outside Galway city.
In Mallow, the board has granted planning permission for 299 homes comprising 185 houses, 50 apartments and duplex units and 64 apartments in two four-storey apartment blocks at Annabella townland 1.3km west of the town centre, being planned by Reside Capital Ltd.
And on the proposal by the Clonmacken Partnership for 165 homes at Clonmacken, in Limerick, the board has granted planning permission after concluding that the scheme would be acceptable in terms of quantum, urban design and height.
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The board also decided the scheme – which will have 42 houses, 42 duplex units and 80 apartments on lands at Condell Road, 2km west of Limerick city – would not give rise to, or exacerbate, flooding outside the site.
However, in relation to plans by Torca Construction Ltd for 101 apartments at Oranmore, the board refused permission due to deficiencies provided in the Natura impact statement connected to the scheme.
The developer was seeking to construct five apartment blocks on a site 700m from Oranmore town centre.
Forty submissions by local households opposed the scheme, claiming it would have a negative impact on property values and be visually obtrusive.
As a result of deficiencies in the Natura impact statement, the appeals board was not satisfied the development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Inner Galway Special Protection Area and Galway Bay Complex Special Area of Conservation. The board stated that in such circumstances, it was precluded from granting planning permission.
Specifically, in relation to habitat associated with the Kingfisher and otter, “significant permanent adverse impact upon sensitive habitat, protected species and nesting or overwintering birds can’t be excluded”.
The board also concluded that the submitted flood risk assessment did not demonstrate that the proposed development would not expose future occupants to the risk of flooding from all sources and would not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.
