Appeal lodged against decision to refuse permission for new Waterford housing estate

An appeal has been lodged against the decision to refuse planning permission for a new housing estate in Waterford city.

A 71-unit housing development was proposed to the west of the Farronshoneen Roundabout, at an address of Williamstown, Waterford.

It was set to contain 12 two-bedroom houses, four three-bedroom houses, six four-bedroom houses, 13 three-bedroom terrace units, two three-storey apartment blocks and one four-storey apartment block.

The three-storey apartment blocks were to consist of nine one-bedroom units, six two-bedroom units.

Meanwhile, the four-storey block was due to have one one-bedroom apartment and four two-bedroom apartments.

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There were also plans for an external communal bin store and an external bike store.

As well as that, a number of associated site works were set to be carried out, including foul and surface water drainage, water mains, detention ponds, swales and new entrance walls and piers at the Williamstown Road.

Pedestrian connections to the Williamstown Road at the Farronshoneen Roundabout, car parking, landscaping and public lighting were also planned.

However, Waterford City and County Council refused permission for the development on November 10.

The council stated that the proposed development provided for a steeply sloping vehicular entrance onto the public road, which if permitted, would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard.

The planning authority said it was not satisfied that it has been adequately demonstrated that the development would not have a negative impact on the neighbouring residential property to the northeast of the site, by way of over-looking and traffic movements.

It was also not satisfied that the surface water drainage proposals were satisfactorily addressed.

Finally, the council added that, following consultation with Uisce Éireann, it was not clear that it was technically feasible to connect to the public water supply and the public foul sewer in the area.

The location has been the subject of much discussion over the past year and a half, due to an Active Travel scheme undertaken at the Farronshoneen Roundabout.

The decision to reduce the approach to the roundabout from Farran Park to one lane has proved particularly controversial.

Noel Frisby Construction Ltd was previously granted permission for the construction of an 84-unit development at the location. However, the application was later withdrawn.

Despite the council’s listed reasons for refusal, MKDB Developments Ltd has now lodged an appeal with An Coimisiún Pleanála against the decision.

A final decision on the development is expected by April 20, 2026.