Couple warn house in abandoned estate will become derelict

A COUPLE have warned that their home in an abandoned estate in Clare will become derelict unless AIB agrees to provide services to the property.

Michele Burke and William Buck purchased a home in the Killaloe estate in 2006, but the builder constructing the 87-unit development went out of business and the site was closed in November 2008.

According to documents lodged with An Bord Pleanála, the couple were left with a practically complete home at Arda na Deirge, Knockyclovaun. But due to the estate being abandoned, the couple have not moved in. However, they have kept up mortgage payments while also paying rent on a separate property in Killaloe, which they have done for three years.

The submission forms part of an appeal by the two against Clare County Council’s decision to grant planning permission to AIB to complete 25 homes and build a further two.

AIB lodged the application after the developer went into receivership and the bank took possession of the estate.

In the appeal, consultant for the couple Mary Lynch states: “If their house is without the required services, it will become derelict and be out of character with any new development permitted. It is also an integral part of the proposed development.

“It is accordingly in the interest of any development permitted and of the residential amenities of any occupants of such development that any adjoining development such as their house is completed and serviced to a satisfactory standard.”

A decision is due on the appeal later this year.