2360048
for the following development, construction of 61 dwellings comprising ; 3 no. single storey dwellings (2 bedroom units of 79m2 gross floor area); 9 no. two storey terraced dwellings (3 bedroom units of 105m2 gross floor area); 8 no. semi-detached 2 storey dwellings with attic room (5 bedroom units of 178m2 gross floor area); 2 no. 2 storey (corner) dwellings (3 bedroom units of 142m2 gross floor area); 16 no. 2 storey semi-detached dwellings with attic room (4 bedroom dwellings of 137m2 gross floor area); 5 no. 2 storey dwellings (2 bedroom dwellings of 98m2); 16 no. 2 storey detached dwellings (4 bedroom dwellings of 143m2 gross floor area). This application also seeks permission for a change of use, extension to and re-modelling of two existing derelict dwelling houses constructed on site (under P06/2921) to doctor’s surgery with ancillary areas (waiting areas, reception area, office, consulting rooms, staff canteen, storage and ancillary service areas (toilets , baby changing room, rest room and clinical refuse storage) with 2 no. two bedroom apartments overhead at first floor level. This application also seeks permission for amended site entrance piers, access roadway, car parking, green areas, footpaths, public lighting, connections to existing public services (main drainage and water supply) , removal of / amendments to site boundaries, provision of boundary walls, fences, amendments to ground levels, hard and soft landscaping and all ancillary site works. This development site is adjoining the protected structure known as 'The Old Forge', Kilkishen (Clare County RPS no. 698)
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal failed to demonstrate adequate traffic safety measures, pedestrian connectivity to the village, and protection for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a protected species in the nearby Special Area of Conservation.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate safe access and egress, specifically regarding sightlines at the R462 entrance and the lack of a Traffic and Transport Assessment for a heavily trafficked regional road.
- There is a significant lack of provision for safe pedestrian connectivity to the village services and the existing footpath network, which is a critical safety concern given the site's location.
- Insufficient information was provided to rule out significant negative impacts on the Kilkishen House SAC, particularly concerning the effects of artificial lighting on the Lesser Horseshoe Bat population.