Planning refused for 67 houses
Tipperary Co Council has refused planning permission for a development of 67 houses in Nenagh.
Applicant Pat Cummins had sought to build the houses, along with two garages, a crèche and ancillary site development works, at Drummin Village on the Borrisokane Road.
Centring on 2.45ha site, the proposed development was part of a four-phase approach aimed at completing the Drummin Village residential estate.
Following a request for further information from the council, the proposed number of units was reduced from 68 to 67 and the tenure mix was amended to comprise 38 semi-detached and terraced houses, 17 four-bed semi-detached, nine two-bed and three three-bed houses.
Agreement in principle was made to transfer seven units to the council for social and affordable housing in accordance with Part V of the Planning and Development Act.
‘DANGEROUS FOR KIDS’
The council received a submission from local resident Donal Carr, who objected to the proposed development on a number of grounds, including road safety, raising particular concern for the safety of children.
“Currently there are no speed calming measures along this route and it is very dangerous for kids given the speed cars can attain on this stretch of road,” Mr Carr submitted. “The Square has been primarily habited by young families and residents are already concerned about speed of cars on this route.”
He suggested consideration of a one-way system for traffic and a review of parking arrangements. Mr Carr also asked why a crèche had been removed from the original plan for the estate, saying the proposed development would bring Drummin Village up to 300 houses with no crèche.
Agent for Mr Cummins, Michael Barker & Co Chartered Consultants, informed the council that the applicant met with Mr Carr to discuss his concerns. The applicant undertook to install two traffic calming / speed restricting ramps on the roadway in the square.
Referring to the granting of permission for 63 houses in 2024 – representing two other phases of the overall plan – the applicant had agreed to road improvement works with the Drummin Village residents and undertook to carry out these works in conjunction with the development of the third and fourth phases.
A 420sq m childcare facility with capacity for 72 children and 12 staff and associated external play space was added to the plan. The applicant also submitted a revised site layout plan and resolved to increase parking provision from 143 to 170 parking spaces in total.
RED LIGHT
However, the council this month refused planning permission for the proposal, considering part of the site was zoned for ‘Amenity’ use.
“The proposal for a dwelling and associated residential infrastructure on this land use would materially contravene the ‘Amenity’ zoning objective, which seeks to preserve and enhance open space, biodiversity and amenity uses,” the council told the applicant.
The council also considered the amended development layout, recommendations contained in a road safety audit submitted by the developer, and “the failure to incorporate the recommendations of the road safety audit into the amended development layout... the planning authority is not satisfied that the proposal has adequately provided for vehicular and pedestrian safety. Accordingly, it is considered that the proposal would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”