'Shock and disapointment': An Bord Pleanála grants permission for controversial development in Cork against wishes of councillors

Concerns have been raised about the powers of An Bord Pleanála after it gave the green light to a controversial proposed housing development in a Cork City suburb.
The development of apartments off the Cherry Lawn estate in Blackrock was the subject of an unsuccessful material contravention vote in City Hall earlier this year.
However, An Bord Pleanála has now said the change, which was proposed for land zoned for sporting use, would be justified and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.
They also say that the development would not seriously injure the character of the area, or diminish the function and usability of the sports’ ground. In January, residents from Blackrock applauded councillors as all but one voted against a material contravention, which would have paved the way for 30 extra apartments off the estate.
A material contravention is needed when a planning application may not necessarily comply with the objectives of the city development plan for proper development and planning of an area.