Plans for social housing apartments for edge of Limerick city approved
PLANS for 15 new social housing apartments on the edge of Limerick city have been approved.
An Bord Pleanala rejected the advice of its own inspector to formally approve the development of homes at Woodlawn Park just off Ballysimon Road.
Goldstar Homes 3 had received planning permission from council to redevelop a site of 0.14 hectares at the corner of the estate.
Part of the plan will see the knocking of a single-storey vacant unit, formerly a general store, as well as other structures on the site.
In their place is planned to be a purpose-built housing scheme for older people and those with disabilities.
This would include 15 social housing apartments – six one-bed units and nine two-bed units as part of a three-storey complex.
But the plans proved somewhat unpopular with the Woodlawn Park Residents Association making an appeal to the national planning appeals body.
They felt there is not enough car parking spaces to service this new development, and were critical of council planners for not ordering the erection of traffic lights on site.
They also highlighted the impact it would have on the existing residents of Woodlawn Park, and its “congested entrance”.
It was also argued the height of the development was not in keeping with the area, and that 12 social houses are already in place.
An Bord Pleanala’s own inspector recommended the development be refused.
They said they are not satisfied the applicant adequately complied with provisions around road designs which allow access for emergency vehicles and the safety of vulnerable road users.
The inspector said they are fearful if the development proceeded as planned, it would cause obstruction to pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
But the board itself overruled this advice, saying the scheme is “modest”, and from its own assessment, there is enough capability for cars to turn. It felt refusal was not warranted on this basis.