23/5707
Permission for the following Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) comprising of the demolition of existing wall into the Castleredmond estate and the construction of 270 no. residential units, 43 no. garden sheds, 1 no. creche, 3 no. ESB substations, a temporary wastewater treatment plant, 1 no. temporary pumping station and all associated development works including footpaths, parking, drainage, bicycle and bin stores and landscaping/amenity areas at Castleredmond (townland), Midleton Co. Cork. Access will be via the existing Castleredmond entrance and the new entrance permitted under ref. no. 21/7428 onto the R630. A Natura Impact Statement is submitted to the planning authority with this application
Core Reason for the Refused Part
The Inspector recommends a full grant of permission (overturning the Planning Authority's split decision) on the basis that the 7.91-hectare site is appropriately zoned for 'Medium A' density residential development (MD-R-04) within the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028, and the proposed density of 37.2 units per hectare is consistent with the Core Strategy for Midleton without causing significant injury to local amenities or traffic safety.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development is located on lands specifically zoned for residential use and is consistent with the density requirements (30-50 units/ha) and the growth targets established in the Cork County Core Strategy.
- While the local road network—specifically the Lakeview Roundabout—experiences congestion, the development's impact is considered acceptable within the context of planned regional infrastructure upgrades and can be managed via a phased occupancy condition tied to the completion of northern access links.
- Comprehensive Appropriate Assessment (Stage 2) and EIA Screening concluded that the use of a temporary wastewater treatment plant and a robust SuDS system will prevent any significant adverse impacts on the Great Island Channel SAC and Cork Harbour SPA.