‘Disappointed by decision on proposed Bundoran housing development’ McMahon  

Bundoran’s based councillor Michael McMahon, has expressed his disappointment at the recent decision by An Bord Pleanala (ABP) to refuse a 73-house development at Church road in the seaside resort.

Twelve months ago, Donegal County Council granted conditional planning permission for the development, by well known local development company, McHenry Asset Holdings Limited.

But recently, ABP upheld an appeal lodged by local resident Mark Picken against the development.

Cllr McMahon said:

“It's a very disappointing decision by An Bord Pleanala. We need to develop our town and we need to get houses. It  was very disappointing for McHenry Holdings Ltd that they didn’t get the planning there. The council were very much in favour of it but An Bord Pleanala seemed fit to reject it.

He was hopeful that the application “can be revisited and looked at”.

“Personally speaking I want the town to expand and that there are opportunities for people to buy houses here, whether they be people coming home from America or Australia or people looking for a first home or new home. 

“McHenry has been a very good developer for over 20-25 houses building houses in Bundoran and he does a nice finished project so hopefully this can be resolved,” he said.  

Part of the ABP decision read: “Having regard to the layout, design and density of the proposed development including the substandard configuration and disposition of the public open space, the internal road layout and alignment and configuration of proposed residential units results in a poor-quality layout and design concept.” 

They also affirmed that the proposed development was contrary to the County Donegal Development Plan and would therefore “be contrary to the proper planning and substantial development of the area”.