Major residential development gets go ahead in Tullamore

An Bord Pleanala has upheld a decision by Offaly County Council to grant planning permission for a major residential development on the Clara Road in Tullamore.

The applicants Vita Stilo Ltd T/A Capital are planning to build 98 residential units, creche, remote working hub and gym.

The local authority granted permission for the development in March of this year subject to 26 conditions. However, it was appealed to An Bord Pleanala by a number of residents and residential associations.

Up to 20 submissions to Offaly County Council were made in relation to the application, some individual residents were concerned about a potential lack of privacy, suggesting that the new houses would overlook their property and interfere with their right to live quietly in their home. They also felt their houses would be devalued as a result.

Knockowen Road residents said their housing estate had existed for more than 50 years. ''During this time the Estate has developed into an intimate community where residents have a strong sense of community. From the beginning and through to present day the estate has been a cul-de-sac. This has allowed for a safe area in terms of both traffic and access for strangers where all residents, but particularly younger families and older residents can enjoy the benefits that these conditions bring to everyday life.''

The residents said it appeared that a vehicular connection to Knockowen Road was inevitable. They suggested that not enough studies or evidence was provided by the applicant.

''As a group of residents of Knockowen Road, we are extremely concerned with the Local Authority's direction, which we believe will have a negative impact on our estate in terms of greatly increased traffic volumes, noise and increased strain on infrastructure which will negatively impact on our estate in terms of greatly increased traffic volumes.''

The site is part of a larger parcel of land between Clara Road and Kilbeggan Road located on all sides to the rear of individual houses or residential estates. Residential development is currently underway on part of these lands.

The development under construction to the south is known as Redwood The subject site is an extension onto this development and access is proposed via Redwood.

An Bord Pleanala has decided to give the development the greenlight with revised conditions.

Its inspector stated, ''the proposed development would be in accordance with the policies and objectives of Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 and aligns with national policy to achieve higher density and compact settlements in key towns.''