Record planning applications for 1,800 houses in past week

A RECORD number of planning applications have been received in the last week by Cork County Council, signalling a boom start to 2006.

More than 1,800 applications for houses came in during one week, with a potential value of more than €500 million.

On a normal week, applications received are usually carried in 30 or 40 pages. But the latest batch amounted to 96 pages and also include a number of significant retail developments.

The largest single housing application has been lodged by Astra Construction Services.

The company is proposing to develop a mix of 503 homes, which include some sheltered accommodation at Kilnagleary, Carrigaline. In addition, they plan to build communal facilities, a creche, an all-weather football pitch, play area and two tennis courts.

Well-known Blarney- based builders Coleman Brothers have submitted plans for 168 houses at Bawnafinney, Tower. They also intend to construct a pedestrian link into Tower from the development, if it is allowed to proceed.

Limerick-based Chieftain Construction is hoping to build 153 homes at Gortnamona More in Castlemartyr. The project features a wide range of house types from four-bed, detached to terraced units and also includes a creche. In addition, the same company is proposing to develop 59 four-bedroomed detached houses at Castle Cross, in the village of Conna.

Murrayforde Construction wants the green light for 140 homes at Curryclogh, Bandon. The majority are two-storey homes, but there are some apartments and maisonettes.

Brompton Homes, a company based in Ballincollig, has its eyes set on east Cork. They want to build 58 semi-detached houses and 44 terraced homes at Parkmountain, Youghal.

Innishannon is being earmarked by locally-based developer Bernie O’Mahony who wants to build 91 homes at Laherfineen, a recycling facility and a playing pitch.

Batty Hayes, a developer from Rosscarbery, is proposing to construct 72 houses and a sewage treatment plant at Cappanclare, Inchigeelagh.

O’Brien and O’Flynn Ltd have submitted an application for 54 apartments in three blocks and nine houses at Moneygurney, Douglas.

John Fleming Construction has applied for 45 homes and a sewage treatment plant at Inchydoney Island.

Developer Rick Fitzgerald is seeking the go-ahead for a mixed 22-home development at Townparks, Midleton while Kevin Casey wants to build 24 houses in his native village of Kiskeam.

Meanwhile, Cork Co-Operative Marts have applied for a new mart facility in Fermoy which, if allowed, will replace one in the centre of the town. They are proposing three indoor sales arenas, cattle pens, offices and a restaurant at Corrin, two miles to the south of the town.

Tesco is hoping to open a supermarket at Brookpark, Clonakilty, which will have enough parking for 141 cars.

A number of applications have also been received for windfarms. Ballybane Windfarms wants to build 13 turbines, with a blade height of 100 metres, an electrical substation and a 60m high meteorological mast at Lackenafasoge, Bantry.

Ecopower Developments Ltd, based in Kilkenny, is proposing eight turbines at Derryvacorneen, Ballingeary.