'Very welcome' plans for 162 residential units lodged for Ballincollig

PLANS for a major residential development in Ballincollig have been described as “very welcome news” by a local councillor.

Coleman New Homes (Blarney) Limited has lodged a large-scale residential development planning application with Cork City Council, seeking permission for the construction of 162 residential units, landscaping, and all ancillary site works at a site off Maglin Rd.

The proposed development would consist of 84 two-storey dwellings, including 26 four- bedroom semi-detached dwellings, 28 three-bedroom semi-detached homes, 20 three-bedroom terraced dwellings, and 10 two-bedroom terraced homes. It would also contain 56 duplex units provided in six two- to three-storey buildings. These would comprise 23 two- bedroom units and 33 one-bedroom units.

Another four- to five-storey apartment building would contain 22 apartments, including 17 two-bed units and five one-bed units.

The application, listed as at pre-validation stage, states that access would be principally via the existing access road and entrance serving Cois Caisleán from Maglin Rd, with additional connectivity via Maglin Grove.

The proposed development also provides for the continuation of the permitted pedestrian and cycle path in Cois Caisleán and two new pedestrian access points located on the northern and western boundaries.

A planning report submitted with the application states the proposed development is the second phase of a masterplan for lands owned by the applicants.

They are constructing the first phase of residential development known as ‘Cois Caisleán’, consisting of 113 residential units and a 40-50-space childcare facility and was a Strategic Housing Development (SHD) permitted by An Bord Pleanála, the report says.

“The masterplan to guide the development of the applicants’ wider landholding was submitted with that SHD application,” it continues.

“Coleman New Homes Limited, envisage playing a leading role in the realisation of the South Ballincollig (Maglin) Urban Expansion Area during the lifetime of the current City Development Plan, with the total number of units deliverable within the overall masterplan area, including the permitted phase, estimated at 502.”

The planning report asserts that the proposed development represents a “natural extension” of the adjacent Cois Caisleán development and the Maglin Green, both of which have been either recently completed or are under construction by the applicants.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said the application is “valid subject to a site notice inspection”.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Colm Kelleher said, in his view, the new homes would be a welcome addition to Ballincollig.

“This is welcome news in Ballincollig — over 160 new units, a lot of them private units which are badly needed which will complement the social [housing] aspect that Cork City Council has been doing across the city for the last number of years under the Housing for All plan.”

“But, the council has a certain responsibility within the housing market in relation to social and affordable [housing] but we do need private as well and this is exactly it. It would be absolutely great to see them delivered,” he said. The application for the development is due to be decided on by January 17.