2460772
Permission for the development of 71 no. residential units at Congress Avenue, Lagavooren Townland, Drogheda, Co. Louth, a site of circa 1.135 hectares. The proposed development will comprise the construction of 71 no. residential units as includes: Block A - 2-4-storey apartment block (3,006 sqm -31 no. units), of 12 no. 1-bed and 19 no. 2-bed units; Block B - 3 storey duplex units (1,475 sqm - 14 no. units) of 7 no. 1-bed units and 7 no. 3-bed units; Block C - 3- to 4-storey apartment block (1,740 sqm - 23 no. units), of 17 no. 1-bed units and 6 no. 2-bed; and Block D - a terrace 3 no. 1-bed houses at single-storey height (176 sqm). The proposed development will also provide: 1 no. community facility (circa 34 sqm); 37 no. car parking spaces including accessible parking; 164 no. secure bicycle parking spaces; public open space totalling 1,721 sqm; communal open space totalling 836 sqm; private garden / amenity areas; all associated hard and soft landscaping, play areas, boundary treatments, roads, footpaths, cycle lanes, plant service spaces, and bin storage; 1 no. ESB sub-station; and all other ancillary works above and below ground. Primary access will be provided via Congress Avenue, with secondary access via Cherrybrook Drive
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal represents overdevelopment of a sensitive, historic elevated site, resulting in excessive density and height that would negatively impact the area's character, while failing to resolve critical safety concerns regarding embankment stability, traffic hazards, and environmental protection.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development constitutes overdevelopment due to its excessive density, height, and layout, which would harm the visual character of the historic elevated location and provide substandard qualitative living conditions and communal open space for future residents.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the construction on elevated ground would not negatively impact the structural stability of the northern embankment, thereby posing a risk to public safety and neighboring residential developments.
- The application lacked sufficient technical detail regarding road junction safety and failed to provide adequate scientific evidence to ensure the project would not adversely affect the integrity of the River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).