Planning permission granted for 694-home development

ONE of the country’s largest builders has been granted planning permission for a €210 million development, less than 300 yards from where another of his major proposals was turned down by An Bord Pleanála.

O’Flynn Construction has received permission to construct 694 homes in Glanmire, Co Cork. Also included in the package is a crèche, three commercial units, tennis courts and play areas.

Cork County Council granted permission for the project at Ballinglanna, just a stone’s throw from the historic Dunkathel House, where the same company recently lost a battle with local residents to develop.

After a three-day hearing, An Bord Pleanála decided last April that it wouldn’t allow O’Flynn Construction to build 527 homes at Dunkettle. The company had initially sought 100 more houses on the same site, but Cork County Council reduced the number it would allow.

Objectors, including Glounthaune Community Association, said the road infrastructure in the area was totally inadequate and couldn’t support the volume of traffic such a project would generate. They also said that footpaths in the area and lighting were inadequate, as was the green space left for recreation.

Last night, a spokesman for O’Flynn Construction confirmed that the company was preparing to resubmit alternative plans for the Dunkettle site. He wouldn’t say how many houses the company was seeking to build there, but it is understood it could be up to 600.

However, it is expected that a number of objections will be made by individuals and community groups to Bord Pleanála about the Ballinglanna project.

The planning appeals board turned down the Dunkettle project because it felt it was ‘premature’ without the necessary infrastructure being put in place.

Cork County Council sought significant contributions from O’Flynn Construction in development charges for its Dunkettle plans, but Bord Pleanála inspector Conor McGrath criticised the local authority for seeking too much money from the developer.

In addition, O’Flynn Construction was told by the council to fund out of its own pocket the development of roads to accommodate the Dunkettle project.

At the time, managing director Michael O’Flynn said the appeal board’s findings were encouraging and he would look at revising his plans for Dunkettle.