Plans for 176 homes near Midleton refused permission

Plans for the construction of more than 170 homes on the outskirts of Midleton, Co Cork, by one of the country’s largest housebuilders, have been refused planning permission.

An Bord Pleanála has rejected the proposed 120 houses and 56 apartments, in two blocks, at Maple Woods, in Ballinacurra, as premature. The board cited inadequate sewage treatment facilities in the east Cork town, despite Irish Water claiming the development could be facilitated.