Major housing development approved for Laois

Plans to develop almost 100 houses and a créche in Laois have been approved by An Bord Pleanela. 

Despite a number of objections, the proposed development at Rathevan in Portlaoise by Thomas Kelly & Sons Group was initially conditionally approved by Laois County Council in March 2022.

The plans include 99 residential units made up of two, three and four bedroom houses together with a creche covering a total floor area of 11,066 sq mtrs. The construction of a new distributor road adjoining the existing Rathevan link road at the north west of the site (with potential future link provided to the Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route), internal access roads; pedestrian footpaths; pedestrian crossing points; cycle lanes; along with a future bus corridor route. 

A total of 212 car parking spaces and 211 bicycle parking spaces were included in the plans along with a further 13 parking spaces for the creche. The plan includes site landscaping works; electricity substations; boundary treatments; planting; lighting; servicing; signage; surface water attenuation; bin storage and associated site development above and below ground and ancillary works.

The development had been challenged at Laois County Council planning stage where it had attracted 33 submissions. They included a submission from the elected members of Portlaoise Municipal District, who argued against the plans.

Appeals were subsequently lodged with An Bord Pleanala by Tony Duncan, the Rossdarragh Ratheven Residents Group c/o Aisling Byrne, Secretary along with Thomas McDonagh and John Browne.

An Inspector with An Bord Pleanala summed up the objections in a report. 

“I consider that the main issues which arise in relation to this appeal are as follows: appropriate assessment, the principle of the development, piecemeal development, drainage, impact on groundwater, roads and traffic, residential impact, the draft conditions and other issues,” the Inspector stated. 

However, after considering the application and recommending 20 conditions, the Inspector advised that the development should be permitted. 

“The proposed residential development, in an area zoned for residential development, would not unduly impact on the residential amenities of existing residents, or unduly impact on traffic congestion, would be adequately provided with infrastructure and community services and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” the Inspector stated. 

Pictured above: A map of the proposed development site.

The plans were approved by An Bord Pleanala subject to 20 conditions on March 1, 2024.