PLANS are afoot for a large-scale strategic housing development (SHD) in the Bishopstown area.

The proposal, if it proceeds in its current format, will see 276 residential units constructed at Ardarostig, Bishopstown.

These are to be divided into 137 houses and 139 apartments. A creche on site is also proposed.

Ardstone Homes Ltd is behind the proposal, which is at pre-application consultation phase with An Bord Pleanála at present.

This is a step a developer must take prior to submitting a formal planning application.

Should the board rule that the development is appropriate, the developers will then be able to submit formal plans under the fast-tracked SHD route, bypassing the Council’s planning department.

A previous development proposed by the same developers for the site was described as ‘off the wall’ by local councillors at the time.

Ardstone had sought to develop 240 homes in 2019, but were refused permission when An Bord Pleanála flagged concerns regarding the local vehicle infrastructure and pedestrian and cycling facilities.

They also said the proposed design would “offer a poor standard of amenity for future residents”.

At that stage, they sought to construct 154 houses and 86 apartments - 240 units in total.