Ardmore to gain almost 100 homes but more needed, warns advocate
Last November a meeting heard how young people were leaving Ardmore in search of housing while more than 60% of its properties were holiday homes that lay vacant for most of the year.
Less than a year since a public meeting warned that a housing shortage was “killing Ardmore” in Co Waterford, the latest planning permission granted brings the number of housing units green lit this year to 97.
A further application for 26 houses is pending approval by Waterford City and County Council.
However, a leading housing advocate in the popular Waterford coastal village fears the developments will not bring much relief to the community.
Last November's meeting heard how young people were leaving Ardmore in search of housing while more than 60% of its properties were holiday homes that lay vacant for most of the year.
Locals formed the Ardmore Grange Housing Study Group (AGHSG) which acquired 1.57 hectares of council land at Farrangarret on the edge of the village.
The council subsequently assumed management of the site and plans for 28 social and affordable homes are now gone to tender.
Last July, An Bord Pleanála granted planning to CFS Structures Ltd for another 29 dwellings close by.
This month’s plenary council meeting saw councillors unanimously vote to uphold a material contravention of the 2022-28 Waterford County Development Plan and grant planning to developer Michael Ryan for a 40-unit development at Duffcarrig, some 0.5 kilometres from the village centre.
Mr Ryan initially sought approval for 51 houses but planning was granted for 40 units
However, AGHSG co-ordinator fears the new developments amount to “investment properties” that will not halt the exodus from the village. “People are counting houses, not homes”, he says.
Housing officer Ivan Grimes told the plenary meeting that without accepting the contravention, the council would have no option but to refuse planning.
Nonetheless several councillors had reservations.
Labour Cllr Thomas Phelan sought assurances that the houses would be occupied all year round and not become holiday accommodation.
Sinn Féin Cllr Conor McGuinness called for the legally binding 20% delivery of social/affordable to be negotiated upwards if possible.
Mr Grimes said the council would “negotiate for the best deal possible” but any agreement would not be legally binding.
In recent years Mr Ryan, a well-known stud farm owner, has acquired planning for several hotel type projects in Dungarvan but no sod has yet been turned.
