Social housing included in major Mayo housing development approval
The development, which includes seven social housing/affordable housing units, will provide a mix of one-bedroom to four-bedroom homes and is located close to Swinford's town centre.
Mayo County Council has granted planning permission for a major residential development in east Mayo.
Raymond Jordan and Martin Gleeson applied for permission to construct 26 homes on Park Road in Swinford, comprising a mix of semi-detached, terraced and detached properties in October last year.
The development comprises three detached two-storey houses, six semi-detached two-storey houses, 13 terraced two-storey houses and four duplex units.
Upon completion, the development will provide a mix of four one-bedroom, five two-bedroom, 12 three-bedroom and five four-bedroom homes. The plans also include a new internal access road, connections to all necessary services and associated site development works.
The site is zoned for ‘New Residential’ development under the Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028. Seven of the proposed homes will be designated for social housing or affordable housing.
The official guidance from the Housing Agency states that for developments subject to the newer 20% requirement, at least half of the Part V provision must be used for social housing, while the remainder can be used for affordable purchase, cost rental, or both.
Permission was granted subject to 26 conditions, including a development contribution of €78,117.60 payable to Mayo County Council before construction begins. The contribution may be adjusted annually in line with changes to the Wholesale Price Index for Building and Construction.
The developer must also lodge a cash deposit of €104,000 with the council as security for the satisfactory completion of the estate’s infrastructure and services. This includes roads, footpaths, public lighting, open space and landscaping.
A further condition requires the estate’s name to reflect the townland or a feature of the surrounding area, with the final name to be agreed in writing with the council before development begins.
The conditions are intended to ensure the satisfactory completion of the development, compliance with the council’s development contribution scheme and protection of the area’s local identity.
The development is located close to Swinford’s town centre, approximately thirty kilometres from Castlebar’s town centre, while Ireland West Airport is approximately nine kilometres away.