This article is from page 10 of the 2006-03-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
THE small size of bedrooms planned for a new housing development in Ennis helped convince An Bord Pleanala to overturn planning permission granted to the developer.
The board denied planning permission to property developer Joe McNamara to build 159 homes on Golf Links Road.
Mr McNamara had already run into trouble, with residents claiming that the development would undermine the “established integrity of the golf course”.
They also claimed the site was too isolated from the town. Ennis Golf Club did not oppose the proposal.
In its direction on the residents’ appeal, the Board stated that it had concerns regarding the quality of the proposed housing layout.
The board also cited the proximity of houses to the new Western Relief Road.
But the size of the bedrooms in the proposed houses, and the poor quality crèche facilities, also came in for criticism.
The Board wasn’t convinced that the site could be drained properly. Lands for drainage were outside the control of the applicant. This drainage problem constituted the Board’s primary concern.
The Board said that it would necessitate connection across the new Western Relief Road, which has been constructed below the level of the site.
The proposed development would, therefore, be prejudicial to public health and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, the Board concluded.
However, the report of the Board’s inspector leaves the door open for Mr McNamara to re-lodge revised plans. The report states that the proposal “is broadly acceptable in principle”.
“I don’t believe that planners give due consideration to building design when adjudicating on decisions. That is wrong, because building design can often dictate the quality of life people have in these estates,” said Cllr Brian Meaney (GP).
“My opinion is that there have been some horrendous housing estates built to satisfy investor demand rather that residential demand in Ennis and its environs.
“These homes are not family- or community-friendly. They are investor-friendly and consideration has to be given to this in the future, otherwise there will be social consequences to be had.”