Three controversial developments awaiting An Bord Pleanala decisions
THERE are three major Offaly developments awaiting An Bord Pleanala decisions since last year.
All three have caused major controversy as they move through the planning process.
Strategic Power lodged an appeal with the Board in February 2021 after Offaly County Council refused to grant permission which would allow it to build an anaerobic digester producing renewable energy and organic fertiliser at Ballyduff, Tullamore.
The application drew a large number of objections from residents along the Rahan and Clara roads. Barry Cowen TD and local councillors backed the residents in their fight.
In refusing the development Offaly County Council stated that ''...the planning authority is not satisfied, having regard to the information contained in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, that the proposed development wouldn't cause serious air pollution which may have a significant impact on the environment and public health.''
An Bord Pleanala was due to give its decision last June however, the date came and went and the appeal remains before the Board. A spokesperson said there are a huge amount of files before the board and was unable to provide a new decision date.
Another contentious development went straight to An Bord Pleanala under the strategic housing development route.
Steinfort Investments Fund is seeking to construct 349 dwellings including 153 apartments, 5 detached houses, 143 terraced houses, and 48 semi-detached houses at Clonminch and Gayfield, on the outskirts of Tullamore.
At a meeting of Tullamore Municipal District, councillors branded the development as ''ludicrous’’ and ‘’a joke,’’
This is the second attempt by the company to get permission, an earlier application in 2020 was refused by An Bord Pleanala in November of the same year. However, the Board decided it warranted a second look. A new decision date has been given for Friday February 18.
The third disputed development is for a change of use of the Convent of Mercy in Kilcormac to a rehabilitation centre. This was granted permission to Serenity Home by Offaly County Council on August 11 last year. However, a group called ‘’Concerned Residents Kilcormac’’ have appealed it. A decision was due on January 18 this year but it still remains with the Board.
The detached two-storey building is a protected structure and currently contains 10 bedrooms and six bathrooms. It was extended to the rear and has a walled garden to the back of the property.
If given the green light by An Bord Pleanala the facility is expected to create a number of jobs including, clinical manager, relief manager, 4 therapists, maintenance person, administration/clerical person, one cook and one cleaner.
It will provide a 28-day residential treatment programme for people over 18 who have been experiencing substance misuse and related issues with a capacity for 13 people at a time.