Planning permission given for almost 400 homes in Carrigaline despite road infrastructure concerns
Seán McCárthaigh
An Coimisiún Pleanála has given the green light to plans for over 360 new homes on the outskirts of the Cork suburb of Carrigaline, despite concerns about the capacity of the local road infrastructure to cater for the development.
The Commission rejected appeals by a number of local residents against the decision of Cork County Council to grant planning permission for the demolition of three agricultural sheds and the construction of 362 new residential units on a site at Mountain Road, Kilmoney, Carrigaline.
It also rejected an appeal by property development firm, Bridgewater Homes, against a condition imposed by the council for the large-scale residential development which requires improvement works to Mountain Road to be completed prior to the commencement of any works within the housing site.
The Commission claimed the retention of the condition was “reasonable and necessary in the interests of residential amenity and traffic and pedestrian safety.”
It also stipulated that Mountain Road must not be closed at any time as a result of construction works and must remain open for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, while access to all properties is maintained.
The developers had argued that the condition was unreasonable given Cork County Council had not made any contribution to the provision of road improvements in the area.
They also claimed the condition was not directly related to the permitted development.
On the issue of the local road infrastructure, the Commission said it concluded that the development would not unduly increase traffic volumes in the area.
It noted that the upgrading of Mountain Road also fulfilled a specific objective of the Cork County Council Development Plan 2022-2028.
A group of local residents who opposed the plans said their objection was not against the principle of the development but the absence of a second access route to the new housing estate and plans for an upgrade of Mountain Road.
“It creates an unsafe situation where nearly 500 houses will be dependent on a single, narrow access point for emergency services,” the group stated.
It claimed the lack of consideration for the potential impacts on existing residents was “alarming” and causing concern and anxiety to local people.
However, the Commission’s ruling provides the go-ahead for the development of 318 houses and 44 apartment/duplex units as well as a café and a creche with a community room.
Subject to compliance with various conditions, the Commission said the project would make efficient use of an appropriately zoned site at the edge of Carrigaline.
It said the development would make a positive contribution to the housing stock in the town and would be acceptable in terms of urban design, layout and building height as well as pedestrian and traffic safety.
The Commission observed that it would provide an acceptable form of residential amenity for future occupants.
Bridgewater Homes said the development would provide a much-needed range of housing options in Carrigaline, while also being consistent with national planning policies and guidelines.
