Board upholds Ballina housing plan

Local residents object to 13-unit proposal

An Bord Pleanála has upheld a Tipperary Co Council decision to grant conditional planning permission for a development of 13 houses in Ballina.

Lough Derg Marina Ltd was last year given the go-ahead for the houses - all detached two-storeys - with associated site works including a substantial area of public parkland at Lakeview, Cullenagh.

This came despite 14 submissions from local residents, who raised a series of concerns about the plan, including the presence of Japanese Knotweed at the site and fear of the invasive species spreading to neighbouring properties.

Further concerns were raised over the size and style of the proposed houses; visual impact on the shore of Lough Derg; traffic hazard, and management and maintenance of the proposed public park.

The council's decision to grant planning permission was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by six named residents.

Following its assessment of the case, the board decided earlier this month to grant permission with conditions broadly in line with those imposed by the council.

Among its considerations was the developers' alteration of the design of the dwellings to improve views from the River Shannon.

Among the conditions is one stating that construction is not to commence until the council is satisfied that Japanese Knotweed has been fully eradicated from the site.

No development of the dwelling houses can commence until the developer has obtained a connection agreement from Uisce Éireann for the newly-upgraded wastewater treatment plant in Ballina.

Occupation of the houses is restricted to individual purchasers - as opposed to a corporate entity - and/or those eligible for the occupation of social or affordable housing.

The applicant was required to enter into an agreement with the council in accordance with Part V of the Planning and Development Act. Agreement in principle had been reached to provide two housing units to the council.

Michelle McNamara of Lough Derg Marina Ltd undertook to supply these units “off-site” to meet the Part V commitment.

The two units were part of another planning application from the same company, which was refused permission by the council last year.

The decision on this application, which sought the provision of a two-bedroom and three-bedroom dwelling over two storeys at Lakelands, was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by Lough Derg Marina.

The board refused permission last month.