Developers seek to build over 100 new apartments on site in the north of Cork City
The plans propose to build a mix of one-bed, two-bed and three-bed homes alongside new footpaths, cycle paths and lighting for the development with a pedestrian link to the nearby Longview residential development south of the site. File picture
Developers have lodged plans with City Hall for over 100 new apartments to the north of Cork City.
Whitestone Corner Properties Ltd filed papers with Cork City Council last week seeking planning permission for 114 apartments on Ballyhooly Road in Whites Cross.
It is proposing to build a mix of one-bed, two-bed and three-bed homes alongside new footpaths, cycle paths and lighting for the development with a pedestrian link to the nearby Longview residential development south of the site.
Documents lodged as part of the planning application stated that the local area is dominated by homes of three bedrooms or more and that there is a “severe shortage” of one- and two-bed units in the area.
“The proposal includes 45 one-bed units, 43 two-bed units, and 26 three-bed units, which will work to provide a balance to the existing and permitted housing mix in the area,” it said.
“The proposed development will address the gaps in the current supply of dwellings, which will increase the number of apartments on offer by 114 units and increase the number of one- and two-bed units, which will serve to achieve the housing mix targets for areas within city suburbs of Cork City.”
While the area is zoned for residential land, it has been historically used as a storage yard. The planners said that the site is expected to benefit from the BusConnects proposals for Cork, with the 10 and 21 routes set to be located to the south of the site.
These routes will serve Lower Dublin Road and connect the proposed housing development with the city centre, Blackpool, and Cork University Hospital.
Separately, planning documents for the applicant suggested that the proposed development would not exacerbate the existing pressures on key services in the area such as childcare, education and health.
“In fact, the proposed development will add to the capacity of recreational facilities by making provision for public open space,” it said.
Cork City Council has said it will make its decision on the planning application by September 22.
The fresh planning bid comes amidst disappointing figures for the number of homes commenced in Cork so far this year. When a developer begins building work, they must lodge a commencement notice.
In the first six months of the year, just 264 housing units were commenced in Cork City. Meanwhile, across the wider county just 515 were commenced, according to figures from the Department of Housing.
