Green light for more than 350 new homes in Carrigaline following appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála

Bid by developer Bridgewater Homes to build 362 homes on Mountain Road in Kilmoney was appealed by local residents 

Computer-generated images of Bridgewater Homes' 362-home development on Mountain Road in Kilmoney, Carrigaline.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved plans for a large-scale residential development in Carrigaline following objections from local residents.

Developer Bridgewater Homes got the green light from Cork County Council in May to demolish three farm sheds to make way for a 362-home development on Mountain Road in Kilmoney.

The homes comprised a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom semi-detached and townhouse units, as well as 44 two-bedroom apartment units, along with a creche and a café.

Associated development works included vehicular and pedestrian access, a shared surface comprising a pedestrian and cycle link on the existing laneway to the east, upgrades to the L-6495-9 and L-6495-0 Mountain Road to the north and east of the site, landscaping, amenity and open space/play areas, footpaths and cycle lanes, and public lighting, among other works. 

Local objections

However, the development was appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála by third parties, with local residents raising concerns about traffic congestion, flooding risks and the impact the development would have on existing homes in the area.

One resident objected to the development stating it would restrict the freedom of existing residents to “come and go as you please,” it would lead to noise, dust and dirt in close proximity to existing homes, and it would cause “interruptions to essential services.” 

However, An Coimisiún Pleanála approved plans for the development, granting permission with revised conditions.

Meanwhile, a golf club in Kerry has been refused permission to provide staff accommodation after an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Hogs Head Golf Club in Cahersiveen received conditional permission from Kerry County Council in March to construct accommodation for its staff at the former Brookhaven Guest House in Waterville. The development consisted of the construction of a new single-storey building with 20 bedrooms, a communal lounge area, and a plant room.

An additional building was also planned for a laundry room and refuse store. It also included 17 car parking spaces, 18 bicycle stands and associated site works.

However, TII appealed the plans, saying the development would intensify existing direct access to a national road, which was contrary to official policy.

In its decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála said the development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users, refusing permission in line with the inspector’s report.