Permission granted for new housing development in Waterford village
An Bord Pleanála rules against recommendation of planning inspector
Plans to construct a new housing development in County Waterford village have been approved despite local objections which resulted in the original decision being appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
Waterford City & County Council granted planning permission, in June 2022, for the construction of 31 units at Farrangarret, Ardmore.
However, that decision was formally appealed in July 2022 and now, two years later, An Bord Pleanála has ruled the development of 29 units can proceed subject to a number of conditions.
Among the grounds of appeal put forward were that the area "is of significant historical value" and "may contain material from the Battle of Ardmore."
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Other concerns outlined in the objection include claims that the proposed development "sets an undesirable precedent for development in the vicinity of St. Declan’s City" and that it will "impact negatively on the Old College Wall, which had enclosed Monea House."
In her report, planning inspector Sinéad O'Connor noted concerns that dwellings in Ardmore are being used as holiday homes rather than permanent residences and are empty for much of the year.
Those opposed to the development also claimed the new homes will be "unaffordable" for currently living the area and that this will have a negative impact on the community.
Recommending that permission be refused, Ms O'Connor said there were "substantive issues" relating to the design of some of the proposed homes - particularly the proposed ceiling height for the bedrooms.
In her report, which runs to more than 30 pages, she added: "I consider that the lack of 1st floor opposing rear windows and modest building heights at the northern boundary, large rear gardens, and the separation distances provided will prevent significant negative overbearing or overshadowing impacts onto Upper College Road."
Having considered the various submissions and the planning inspector's report, members of the Board decided to grant permission, subject to 22 conditions.
While noting the views of Ms O'Connor, the Board said it was satisfied the proposed development "would not give rise to adverse visual or residential amenity impacts" and that her concerns regarding the technical design of the bedrooms were "minor in nature in the context of the overall proposal".