Five houses to be demolished in Louth to make way for 42 new units

AN BORD Pleanála have upheld a decision to grant permission for a housing development in a major Louth town.

The development, to be undertaken by Brugha Developments Ltd., will see five existing derelict dwellings at 51-55 Hardmans Gardens, Drogheda demolished to make way for 42 residential units and a two-storey commercial unit.

The residential units will comprise of a mix of  independent/assisted living and medical support units, including 10 one-bed units, 9 two-bed, three-person units and 32 two-bed, four-person units in two terraces and two apartment blocks, ranging in height from 2-5 storeys over basement level.

The two-storey commercial block, which will face onto Hardmans Gardens, will accomodate a café/bakery and a pharmacy on the ground floor, and a medical centre on the first floor level.

An appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála by a third party who own a portion of undeveloped land immediately north of the site.

Among other concerns, the appeal stated that the proposed development would negatively impact on the value the appellants property as it would not retain access to their site.

However An Bord Pleanála ruled that "all the issues raised in the appeal have been addressed in the planners report, therefore, the planning authority has no further comments".

The development includes a landscaped open space with play area and outdoor gym equipment, 46 car parking spaces at basement and surface level, and 125 bicycle parking spaces.

A total of 10% of parking spaces must be allocated as electric vehicle parking/charging points, and ducting shall be provided for all remaining car parking spaces to allow for future installation of EV charging points.