A major new housing development has been greenlit in Little Island, but Cork County Council has refused permission for an extra 50 homes on the site.

Ruden Homes Ltd had lodged a Large-Scale Residential Development application with the council in July for 172 homes at the site in Courtstown.

Vickery’s Hall had envisaged 146 new houses, along with six duplex units and 20 apartments. Furthermore, it proposed to build a creche with 49 childcare spaces and four commercial units on the site.

Across an area of 6.5 hectares, it is located towards the eastern end of Little Island, with the surrounding lands a mix of residential, industrial, and agricultural.

McCutcheon Halley, in a planning statement on behalf of the applicants, said the proposals were compliant with national and regional planning frameworks and would deliver on specific local zoning objectives around delivering homes, a neighbourhood centre, and a new distributor road.

“The application side is strategically located in terms of its location to public transport services, key infrastructure routes, access to a strong employment base, and local services,” it said.

“The proposed scheme provides for a much-needed range of housing options and will contribute to the sustainable growth of Little Island.”

The council sought further information from Ruden Homes before issuing its decision, requiring clarity around the housing density on site, the design and layout of the homes, and provision for car parking including EV charging points in the area.

Following receipt of this information, a council planner expressed worries over the density and said it was a “fundamental concern which the applicant has failed to address”.

“The site layout continues to be dominated by repetitive and car dominated street layouts,” she said.

“At the time of a housing crisis, it is not the objective or desire of the Planning Authority to prevent housing development, however all proposals must be assessed against the objectives set out in national guidelines and the Development Plan to ensure that the core principle of sustainability with a focus on creating vibrant, liveable, climate resilient communities is delivered.”

While that planner advised turning down the application, Cork County Council decided to grant planning permission subject to a number of conditions.

This included permission for just 122 of the homes sought “in the interest of visual and residential amenity” and to adhere to planning guidelines.

The case is open to appeal to An Bord Pleanála within a month of the decision.

IRISH EXAMINER

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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE