This article is from page 13 of the 2006-04-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
AN Ennis couple who received over €100,000 from a property developer for withdrawing their objection to a €20 million housing development have successfully blocked a retail development in the town.
An Bord Pleanala has sided with Vincent and Ann Coffey of Clon Rd, Ennis, who objected to plans by Galvin Construction Ltd to build a retail outlet on Francis Street.
The appeals board ruled that the development would be contrary to proper planning and development of the area.
In its decision to refuse, the appeals board cited the absence of available parking, and traffic movements that would endanger public safety. The board’s inspector, in a report, also highlighted the lack of parting.
“This is not a town or village street location. It is an edge of town, or suburban location as it currently exists. I would envisage a considerable amount of convenience sales type traffic associated with the proposed development.”
Last September, Ennis Town Council granted planning permission for the Galvin Construction proposal, in spite of an objection lodged by the Coffeys.
The couple own property near to the site.
In lodging their appeal against the application, they claimed that the proposal would “devalue our property by virtue of its proximity along the lateral boundary.
“It will result in overshadowing, loss of amenity and privacy.”
In 2004, it emerged that the Coffeys withdrew their objection against a €20 million housing scheme at the Quin Rd, Doora by Luxury Homes (Galway) Ltd., after the company paid them £85,000 (€107,930) and gave them two free sites.
The couple expressed concern over the impact the proposal would have on their business, operated adjacent to the proposed development.
The couple have denied their objections were done to earn money.
The Coffeys successfully blocked a subsequent application by the same developers, in June 2004, to build a €10 million development on zoned lands in Ennis.
In August, Luxury Homes lodged new plans with the Clare County Council for 108 two-bedroom apartments at Doora, Ennis and the Coffeys lodged a fresh objection against the proposal, but the couple objected citing concerns including traffic.