Planning application in Cork for 550 homes near Dunkettle

The scheme includes 394 homes in a mix of two, three and four-bed semi-detached and townhouse or terraced units and 156 apartment and duplex units.

A planning application has been lodged for 550 homes on the eastern outskirts of Cork city — the first phase of plans for a major 1,000-home residential scheme on the site.

Developer Michael O’Flynn’s O’Flynn Group has lodged the application for a vast site it owns at Dunkettle, south-east of Glanmire under the large-scale residential development (LRD) process.

The scheme includes 394 homes in a mix of two, three and four-bed semi-detached and townhouse or terraced units, 156 apartment and duplex units, in a mix of one and two-bed units in 10 blocks ranging in height from two to six storeys, as well as proposals for a childcare building, and a neighbourhood centre.

The design of the second phase planning application, which aims to deliver over 500 additional homes on the site, is being advanced.

Michael O’Flynn said the planning application for phase one marks a significant step forward in the long-standing efforts to develop the Dunkettle landbank, which it has owned since 2003.

“Its strategic location ensures easy access to major transport links, enhancing connectivity to Cork city and surrounding regions,” he said.

A computer-generated image of the proposed residential scheme.

“We have a proven track record in delivering quality housing projects, and we are excited to bring this vision to life in Dunkettle.

“Our design team has worked very closely with Cork City Council and other stakeholders to ensure that our plans align with community needs.“

The Dunkettle lands have long been identified as a crucial area for growth but previous attempts to build on then were unsuccessful.

An Bord Pleanála rejected two separate planning applications from the O'Flynn Group in 2004 and 2005, despite approval from Cork County Council at a time when the landbank was within the jurisdiction of the county, citing concerns around an inadequate road network in the area at the time.

However, once the Dunkettle interchange project was complete, the firm reactivated its residential plans for the site.

The company said if the plans are approved, the scheme will complement the successful and now substantially complete Ballinglanna residential development, which will provide over 610 homes comprising a mix of detached, semi-detached, townhouses, duplex and apartments, and a village centre, once it is full complete.

The firm said a key highlight of its Dunkettle plans is the inclusion of extensive community open space, designed to “promote social interaction and well-being among residents”.

A new greenway is also proposed through the development connecting to the L2998 to the north and to the existing Dunkettle to Carrigtwohill Greenway to the south.