Planning permission granted for housing at historic Passage West orphanage site

Cork housing development at former orphanage site approved despite concerns over scale, density, and visual impact

Mount St Joseph’s, Passage West

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for 18 new homes in Passage West. 

Parson Developments Limited got the green light from Cork County Council in January to construct 18 semi-detached homes at the site of the former Mount Saint Joseph Orphanage at Back Road, Passage West in January.

The plans also allowed for the restoration and change of use of the former orphanage.

The development included the demolition of former farm buildings and the annexes to the rear and southwest of the former institutional structure, as well as modifications to the existing vehicular entrance at the Black Road. 

It also included associated site works, such as roads, drainage, parking, footpaths and public amenity areas.

However, the plans were appealed by several third parties to An Bord Pleanála, with objections citing “excessive density and inappropriate scale and urban form of development” which would be “out of character within the curtilage of the protected structure.” 

Concerns raised also included the development having a “significant detrimental” impact on the visual amenities of the area. 

However, the board sided with the council, approving the plans with 24 conditions. 

In its decision, the board said the development "would not adversely impact on the character and setting of Mount Saint Joseph’s or the Architectural Conservation Area, would constitute an acceptable density of residential development in this location, would not seriously injure the residential amenities of the area, would provide an acceptable standard of amenity for future residents, and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience."

"The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," the board said.