Cork housing scheme gets go-ahead on condition homes are sold to individuals and not bulk buyers

Cork County Council has approved 102 new homes in Mallow if the developer agrees to sell the units to 'individual purchasers, ie those not being a corporate entity'

The development of 36 three-bed houses, and 66 apartment units is a 12-minute walk from Mallow train station. Picture: Dan Linehan

Cork County Council has approved 102 new homes in Mallow, but added a condition that the homes must not be sold to bulk buyers.

Planning permission was granted last week for the mixture of houses and apartments at Annabella, after the council sought further information to the bid, which was originally submitted in June.

Sayvale 18 Ltd applied for the planning permission, with documents lodged on its behalf saying the proposed development offers a “unique opportunity to transform this infill greenfield site into a new residential neighbourhood, which will contribute to the supply of much needed residential accommodation in Mallow”.

The 4.23 hectare site is situated to the north of Annabella Park housing development, and west of the Woodview Drive development. It is about a 12-minute walk from Mallow train station.

The proposals consisted of 36 three-bed houses, 66 apartment units, a two-storey creche and associated development works.

The apartments were proposed to be a mix of one-, two- and three-bed units across two- and three-storey buildings.

Some local concerns raised about the development included the volume of traffic and proposed access routes, and water and wastewater capacity.

Cork County Council had sought further information from the applicant in areas such as services, ecology, sustainable transport and bicycle parking on site.

It ultimately recommended approving the development, with conditions attached including on who the houses be sold to.

It said prior to commencing any of the units, the applicant must reach an agreement with the council that "restricts all houses and duplex units permitted, to first occupation by individual purchasers, ie those not being a corporate entity, and/or by those eligible for the occupation of social and/or affordable housing, including cost-rental housing".

“[This is] to restrict new housing development to use by persons of a particular class or description in order to ensure an adequate choice and supply of housing, including affordable housing, in the common good," it added.