Plans for over 100 Cork City apartments appealed to planning commission by local residents

Green light from Cork City Council was appealed over density and social concerns 

Whitestone Corner Properties Ltd has received planning permission to construct the new homes on Ballyhooly Road, Laherdane, Whites Cross, after a lengthy process. Picture: White's Cross LRD

A positive bid for more than 100 apartments in Cork City has been appealed by local residents to the planning commission.

Developer Whitestone Corner Properties Ltd got the green light in July last year from the city council for a large-scale residential development on Ballyhooly Road, Laherdane in Whites Cross.

The scheme was to comprise three apartment blocks up to five storeys in height, consisting of 114 units.

The units were a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with associated site works including footpaths, cycle paths, car parking, open space, lighting and a bus stop along Ballyhooly Road.

The developers said the scheme would result in a "sustainable residential community" and would provide for "much-needed range of housing options in Cork."

“The proposed development will address the gaps in the current supply of dwellings,” it said, adding there was currently a “severe shortage” of one- and two-bed units in the area.

The plans received several objections from local residents, who raised concerns about “excessive density and height,” undesirable pedestrian access, loss of privacy, low amenity lighting, and the impact of the development on nearby housing estates.

One objector living in the neighbouring Longview Estate said the development would rely heavily on their facilities, including doctors, childcare services, schools and commercial spaces, which would “affect resource availability” for Longview residents.

They added that the plans, which involve pedestrian access to Longview from the proposed development, would pose "safety, privacy and security concerns" to nearby homes, and "may even promote anti-social behaviour in the vicinity."

Despite the more than 30 submissions to the city council, local planners approved the plans with 45 conditions.

The plans are now with An Coimisiún Pleanála following a third-party appeal, with the planning commission due to issue a decision by May 11, 2026.