Submissions on East Cork housing scheme close

THE deadline for public submissions on a major East Cork housing development passed yesterday.

Dublin-based property developers Glenveagh Homes Ltd submitted plans for 176 units on a five-hectare site at Maple Woods, Ballinacurra, Midleton.

The submission was submitted directly to An Bord Pleanala under the strategic housing development (SHD) scheme, which allows developers to bypass local authorities for housing developments of more than 100 units.

Glenveagh had initially sought to build 157 houses on the land but upped it to 176 after consulting with An Bord Pleanála.

The development was submitted in mid-October, with submissions welcomed by An Bord Pleanála until yesterday. The planning authority will now review the application, with a decision due by February 2, 2019.

Already, several Cork developments have been progressed under the SHD scheme, including proposals for 413 apartments in Jacob’s Island in Mahon.

The Midleton plan includes 120 houses - 77 semi-detached, 38 terraced and five detached – and two apartment blocks with 56 two-bedroom and one-bedroom apartments.

There are also plans for improvements to pedestrian and cycle infrastructure on a regional road from the entrance to the existing Maple Wood estate to the Ballinacurra junction, as well as childcare facilities.

A two-way off-road cycle facility is proposed, along with new bus stops and a range of road improvements and traffic calming upgrades.

Developers are also making provisions for 314 parking spaces for residents and 132 covered bicycle stands.

In its application, the developers noted the ‘pressing need to facilitate a significant increase in housing output’ in urban area in Co Cork.

They added that the proximity to the rail line in Midleton will aid in ‘promoting sustainable transport modes and reducing car dependency.’

“Any proposals to improve the pedestrian/cycling environment should be encouraged and promoted to facilitate the model shift to walking/cycling for local journeys,” they added.

In 2005, planning permission was granted for 210 houses on the site.