RONAN FAGAN
Planning permission submitted to An Bord Pleanala for a strategic housing development at Cartrontroy, Kilnafaddoge and Lissywollen by Avenir Homes Limited was the source of much debate at a specially convened meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District on Friday afternoon last.
Elected members present afforded their views with regard to the proposed development consisting of 122 residential units (60 houses, 62 apartments ), 283 bedspace student accommodation units, creche and associated site works.
Planning permission for the proposed development was submitted to An Bord Pleanala on January 25, Westmeath County Council chief executive, to compile a report detailing the views of the elected members, to be submitted to the national independent statutory body, prior to March 21.
Located 700 metres to the rear of TUS, the proposed development encompasses a 4.01 hectare site and is composed of residential units rising to seven storeys in height with an intended construction phase of 24 to 36 months if approved.
Affording his views with regard to the proposed development, Athlone Deputy Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, noted that this was the third occasion on which the Municipal District were discussing a proposed strategic housing development within the town and hoped that the recorded views of elected members would be heeded.
“It is a positive that our individual views are being recorded during this meeting but I firmly believe that the strategic housing development process is laden with flaws, in particular with regard to the views expressed by elected members and those of the public which are not considered. Therein lies a major concern as developments will proceed regardless of our thoughts,” Cllr O’Rourke stated.
Noting the density and storey height of the proposed development, Cllr O’Rourke, stated that the construction of such units showed “disregard” towards regulations detailed in the national development plan.
“The agenda of An Bord Pleanala in this instance appears to be ‘pack them in tight and pack them in high’,” Cllr O’Rourke added.
While he welcomed the proposed development in the “midst of a housing crisis”, Cllr O’Rourke stated that the units, if and when constructed, will result in fundamental and dramatic changes.
“We must ensure this particular development is appropriate for the location proposed but I must admit that I baulked when I saw that units up to seven storeys in heights will form a boundary with the greenway, a key amenity in the Midlands region, and overshadow existing residential properties - surely, this will have a detrimental impact on existing homeowners living in close proximity,” Cllr O’Rourke noted.
Akin to Cllr O’Rourke, Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Frankie Keena, welcomed the proposed development which would provide essential residential units at a “time when they are most needed.”
“I would be in agreement with the views expressed by Cllr O’Rourke that the voices of elected members must be heard with regard to such strategic housing developments. For me, this is just a ‘box ticking’ exercise undertaken by An Bord Pleanala as they never give much credence to our thoughts,” Cllr Keena asserted.
Referencing the Lissywollen development at Brawny, Cllr Keena queried how the two developments compared in terms of housing density and the scale of same.
“I recall that there was issue with residential units being constructed five storeys in height as part of the Lissywollen strategic housing development - now we are looking at a construction which will include seven storey residential units, how can this be permitted under current guidelines?,” Cllr Keena remarked.
The Cathaoirleach stated that residential owners in close proximity to the proposed development would have privacy concerns “which need immediate attention” and plans should now be implemented to address such a potential realisation.
“We must also maintain the character and biodiversity of our greenway - constructing residential units seven storeys in height is not in keeping with the countryside feel of the old rail trail and as cyclists and walkers approach Athlone in future times this proposed development, as it stands, would not give cause for much visual appeal,” Cllr Keena commented.
Affording her personal thoughts, Green Party Councillor, Louise Heavin, stated that she had spoken with local residents’ associations regarding the proposed development with numerous concerns noted.
“The scale and density of the proposed residential units within the space detailed for construction is an obvious concern, but existing foliage and vegetation must be retained as part of this development.
“As I look at the existing plans, I note that there will be removal of certain hedgerows to allow for residential units construction essentially urbanising the greenway experience.
“The construction of ‘high rise’ residential units will impact the daylight received by those living in close proximity to the proposed development with traffic volumes within the locality inevitably increasing. Such a realisation must be addressed by the developer to alleviate the concerns of existing residents prior to any proposed construction commencing,” Cllr Heavin concluded.
