Ballyhaise development gets green light

A proposed housing development in Townparks, Ballyhaise, has been given the go ahead by An Bord Pleanála.

The permission allows for the demolition of an existing modern bungalow and the construction of eight dwelling units. The units will comprise of four two-storey, two-bedroom townhouses; two two-storey, three-bedroom townhouses and two one-bedroom apartments (a ground floor apartment and a first floor apartment above) together with carparking, footpath, connection to existing public mains and all associated works.

Cavan County Council granted planning permission to Noel Tierney for the development but that decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by Aiden Rehill.

The planning authority decided to grant permission subject to 20 conditions, including that the developer makes a €40,000 development contribution, with a €2,000 bond per dwelling.

There were a total of 25 grounds of appeal. The points raised by the appellant included what he described as the “low quality and high density” of the development, that apartments are in contravention of the development plan, the resultant devaluation of existing properties, shadows on neighbouring property, traffic safety issues, poor design and the fact that no public lighting was shown in the submitted plans. Many of these issues were addressed by the developer under “further information”.

In her report, planning inspector Dolores McCague, referenced national policy objectives of delivering at least 40% of all new homes within the built-up footprint of existing settlements, the creation of attractive, liveable, well designed, high quality urban places that are home to diverse and integrated communities that enjoy a high quality of life along with meeting urban development requirements.

Urban fabric

The planning inspector noted there is a presumption in favour of development that can encourage more people and generate more jobs and activity within existing cities, towns and village.

Ms McCague said in the report: “Having regard to the location of the proposed development within the town of Ballyhaise and close to its core, where the terraced format would reinforce the urban fabric, and where the provision of residential accommodation would reduce the demand for motorised travel; the development as proposed would accord with the development plan provisions, would improve traffic circulation and pedestrian safety in the area, would not unduly impact on residential amenity, and, subject to the following conditions, would be in accordance with the proper planning and development of the area.”