Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommends the removal of Condition No. 2, thereby permitting the full 44-house development originally proposed, on the grounds that the 50-unit growth target for Whitechurch is not an absolute maximum cap and the scheme is supported by sufficient infrastructural capacity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The growth allocation figure of 50 units for Whitechurch is explicitly defined in the Core Strategy as an indication of scale rather than a rigid maximum limit or target.
- Technical reports and confirmations from Uisce Éireann establish that the village possesses adequate wastewater and water infrastructure to accommodate the full 44-unit development without requiring immediate upgrades.
- The proposed development represents a logical sequential extension of the village core, providing sustainable infill at a density (20 units per hectare) consistent with national guidance for metropolitan villages.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Core Strategy Statement – Section 2.13Section 2.13.1(6)Section 2.13.1(5)Objective CS 2-7Objective HOU 4-7Table 4.1Section 4.9.2Volume 4 - Section 2.16 (Whitechurch)Objective DB-01
Decision Document Summary
This first-party appeal focuses on Condition No. 2 of Cork County Council's decision, which reduced a proposed residential development in Whitechurch from 44 units to 23 units. The Planning Authority had reduced the scheme to ensure it did not exceed 50% of the village's total growth allocation for the plan period. The subject site is 2.19 hectares, located approximately 150m from the village centre and adjacent to an existing housing estate. The Inspector argued that the Council misinterpreted ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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