Ballybricken housing plans are rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála
The inspector stated: “It is considered that the proposed development, by reason of its overall design, height and massing, would be a discordant feature in the streetscape."
The construction of apartments in Ballybricken has been rejected by An Coimisiun Pleanala.
The development plans consisted of the demolition of existing buildings at 18-21 Ballybricken in Waterford city and construction of a new development, which comprised of three buildings containing a total of 45 residential units.
22 of the units were one-bed, 19 were two-bed, and four were three-bed.
Upon submission to the Waterford City and County Council's planning department, a significant number of appeals from locals were received.
Locals said that the development's construction would lead to increased traffic, limited parking and pose safety hazards.
One submission said, “Ballybricken being a historical heritage area will no longer have the same vista if this large development goes ahead.
"Residents in the area immediately to the front, side and back of the development will have little or no natural light, this can affect the mental health of the people."
Another submission said, "The height of the proposed apartment buildings would be completely out of character with Ballybricken, the heart and soul of Waterford."
The number of units contained within the development were decreased from 53 to 45 following a Further Information request from Waterford City and County Council.
Revised drawings also reduced the height of the buildings and introduced privacy screens to address overlooking.
Despite this, Waterford City and County Council made the decision to refuse the development commencing.
This decision was subsequently appealed by the applicant, Ferryhill Properties Limited, and the matter was taken up with An Coimisiún Pleanála for further review.
Ferryhill Properties stated in their appeal that their development would “positively contribute to the area”.
However, An Coimisiún Pleanála inspectors decided to uphold Waterford Council’s decision to refuse the development’s commencement.
The inspector stated: “It is considered that the proposed development, by reason of its overall design, height and massing, would be a discordant feature in the streetscape of Ballybricken Green, and Morgan Street in both prominent near views and mid-distant views from across Ballybricken Green, a key amenity area and public space surrounded by buildings of historic interest.”
It also stated that the development would likely "give rise to undue loss of privacy and disturbance and have an overbearing impact and would therefore seriously injure residential amenities of properties in the vicinity of the site."
