2360822

for 1) the construction of a 91 unit residential development (10no. 1 bed, 24no. 2 bed, 45no. 3 bed & 12no. 4 bed) & 2no. commercial units (café/work hub (73 m2) & crèche (172 m2)) accessed via the existing Parklands estate, 2) a redesigned amenity area & new homezone in the existing Parklands estate as part of the new road access works, 3) temporary construction traffic access via the existing laneway to New Line between the Caislean Oir & Bridge Court estates & 4) all associated site & external works including infrastructural connections via the Caislean Oir estate & the existing on site mains

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The development is situated on lands zoned 'Residential Phase 2' which are not generally developable during the current plan period, and the proposal represents a piecemeal approach in the absence of a required Urban Framework Plan (Policy Objective ASP 6).

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The development is premature as the lands are zoned Residential Phase 2 and the applicant failed to demonstrate why Phase 1 lands elsewhere in the town could not be developed first.
  • The proposal lacks a comprehensive masterplan or Urban Framework Plan as required by the Local Area Plan, resulting in a piecemeal development that fails to coordinate future access and community facilities.
  • The proposed density of 24 units per hectare is considered an inefficient use of serviced land and falls below the density ranges recommended in the Compact Settlements Guidelines for such edge-of-town locations.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Policy PM 1Policy PM 6Policy PM 8Policy PM 10DM Standard 1DM Standard 2Policy ILUTP1Policy WC 1Policy WC 3Policy NR 1Policy NNR 3Policy NNR 6DM Standard 33Policy NHB 1DM Standard 50Policy WS 4DM Standard 36Policy ARC 1SM Standard 61Policy WW 8Policy WW 11Policy CS 2Policy CS 3Policy CS 7Policy CGR 1Objective ASP 5Objective ASP 6Objective ASP 8

Decision Document Summary

The applicant sought permission for 91 dwellings and two commercial units (a crèche and a café/work hub) on a 4.6-hectare agricultural site at Parklands, Athenry. The site is located 900m north of the town centre, adjacent to several existing housing estates. Galway County Council originally refused permission for eight reasons, citing issues with layout, traffic capacity, water services, archaeology, and zoning. On appeal, the Inspector determined that while many technical issues (such as traff...
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