Planning refused for student apartment plan on Cork's Model Farm Road

Computer-generated image of the proposed student apartment development on the former St Joseph's Convent site on Cork's Model Farm Road.

Cork property developers Lyonshall is considering appealing a decision by Cork City Council to refuse them permission for a large student apartment development on Cork's Model Farm Road.

The firm had lodged plans in early December seeking approval for a large-scale residential development at the former St Joseph's Convent and on an adjacent section of land to the rear of the Lee Garage. The works include the demolition of the convent to provide for the construction of a 450-bed purpose-built student accommodation development. 

The proposed development was to be made up of three apartment blocks, ranging in height from two to five storeys, and include a total of 42 apartments — ranging in size from three to six bedrooms. It also includes 224 studio apartments. The apartments were to be accessed from Model Farm Road by a new vehicular/pedestrian access.

The convent had been used as a nursing home in recent years. The site was put on sale in February 2022 guiding at a price of €1.3m. According to the Property Price Register the site was sold in May of that year for €2.52m.

Lyonshall had developed a large student apartment development on Bandon Road overlooking The Lough which operates as Ashlin House accommodating 500 students in five apartment blocks.

The planning application for St Joseph's Convent was met with a number of objections from local residents who raised issues around housing density and noise.

Following an assessment of the plan under the fast-track Large-scale Residential Developments (LRD) programme, Cork City Council this week refused permission for the development.

Kieran Coughlan, Managing Director of Lyonshall said they are examining the refusal from the City Council and are considering an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.