According to the Argus newspaper:
"Permission for 186 houses on the Carrick Road has been refused by An Bord Pleanála.
This follows an appeal by Willow Grove Residents' Association against the decision made on March 13th by Dundalk Town Council to grant subject to conditions a permission to McCaughey Developments of Carrickmacross Road, Dundalk."
This follows an appeal by Willow Grove Residents' Association against the decision made on March 13th by Dundalk Town Council to grant subject to conditions a permission to McCaughey Developments of Carrickmacross Road, Dundalk."
The area is question, known as Mounthamilton, is located here. It is a low lying woodland area with exposed rock and given its location near the town, is of particular ecological interest according to the Councils own ecological survey of the area...although that was not the reason for the development being refused. According to the inspector, "Having regard to the layout and design, it is considered that the proposal would result in substandard development with respect to the provision of quality, usable public open space and by reason of the prevalence of car dominant roads and lack of connections and permeability for pedestrians and cyclists. This is considered to be contrary to the aims and objectives of the Dundalk South West Area Local Area Plan. The proposed development would, therefore, seriously injure the amenities of the area and of future occupiers of the development and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."
Typical clearing in Mounthamilton woodland
However because the area is zoned premature for development, there is still a possiblilty that some future application would be successful. In the light of this eventuality perhaps it would be a good idea for the County Council to address the value of this area not just as a public amenity and wildlife refuge near the heart of the town, but also as a possible sump to relieve surronging housing from possible future flooding events.
I read the very lengthly AN Bord Pleanala report just now on the proposed development and what is very clear is that the South West Area plan passed by the Town Council in 07 and supported by yours truly at the time, in its instance on proper urban planning, sense of place, transport integration and preservation of some of the local biodiversity through preservation of an area at Mount Hamilton rather than by the creation of another fromal park, has raised the bar for those seeking to develop in the sector.
ReplyDeleteIt is gratifying in reading the ABP report that such account was taken of the objectives of the South West sector Local Area Plan.
This finding while clearly a disappointment to the appelant will over time lead to a quality of development that will create far superior urban living as well as giving local habitat some space to thrive and be enjoyed in what was alraey zoned lands.
The ABP report certainly gives Councillors and Planners much to think about and I think in time will be seen as helping maintain the integrity of the area plan.