Passage West convent redevelopment is put on hold following planning appeals

PLANS for the major redevelopment of a derelict site in the heart of Passage West have been put on ice due to planning appeals.

Clyda Eco Homes Ltd was granted by permission by Cork County Council in November to revamp the former St Mary's Convent site into housing and commercial space. The site is seen as crucial to the regeneration of the town alongside the dockyard site which is ripe for development.

However, three appeals, one by the developers themselves, have been lodged at the convent site and the case will now be referred to An Bord Pleanála.

Clyda Eco homes has objected to a condition in the planning that requires them to make a €100,000 special planning contribution for pedestrian crossings and traffic calming in the town. The other appeals relate to boundary and land ownership concerns.

The developer has plans to demolish the former school buildings and outbuildings and build 18 apartments and 18 semi-detached houses on the convent grounds with an entrance to the south of the site on what is known locally as the Back Road to the town’s Main Street.

The company also wants to build a gym over two floors, retail units, offices and 17 further apartments at Chapel Square.

Councillor Seamus McGrath (FF) said: Appeals are part and parcel of the planning application system, but it does mean that it will be at least four-plus months before An Bord Pleanála makes a determination on the appeal.

"Hopefully, the grant of planning permission by the Council will be upheld by the Board. They may make some changes and still allow a permission."

Marcia D'Alton (IND) added: “We are all very much looking forward to having a brand new addition to the town on this big derelict site but unfortunately an appeal to the Board is sometimes part of the process.”