Cork City Council development plan targetting 40% more houses than needed, planning watchdog warns

The Office of the Planning Regulator specifically criticised high population growth targets in areas like Blarney and Glanmire

The Office of the Planning Regulator has called on the council to omit amendments relating to certain lands in Glanmire (above), Kilcully, and Upper Glanmire, as well as land at Castletreasure and the Lee Road in Carrigrohane. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

The State’s planning watchdog claims a revised draft development plan for Cork City will provide 40% more housing units than required by official targets due to additional rezoning of lands proposed by councillors.

The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) has criticised a series of amendmentsl to the draft plan which it claimed has resulted in a significant increase in the lands proposed for housing, particularly on peripheral greenfield sites in the city’s hinterland.