2460346
Permission for development of a housing scheme to North of junction of Pontoon and Turlough Roads, Castlebar, Co. Mayo (former Coal Bunker site), comprising: 1. Construction of 19 no. apartments (10 no. two bed and 9 no. one bed) in part-four part-five storey building; 2. Pedestrian and cycle access via Pontoon and Turlough Roads; and, 3. Associated development and works including hard and soft landscaping, cycle parking, bin stores, communal and private amenity and open spaces and all other ancillary works above and below ground including works and connections to water supply, wastewater and surface water infrastructure and utilities.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed residential development is located on lands zoned for 'Enterprise and Employment' where residential use is not permitted, and represents an overdevelopment of the site with inappropriate scale and a total lack of on-site parking.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal materially contravenes the 'Enterprise and Employment' zoning objective of the Castlebar Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2023-2029, which does not permit multiple residential units.
- The development constitutes overdevelopment of the site, featuring an excessive density of 116 units per hectare and a building height that is visually obtrusive and incongruous with the surrounding urban character.
- The failure to provide any on-site car parking at a busy regional and local road intersection would disrupt the normal operation of the junction and endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard.