Way cleared for new cancer support centre in East Cork

THE way has been cleared for the development of a new cancer support centre in Youghal.

Cork County Council, following some amendments to the proposals, had granted conditional planning permission to Youghal Cancer Support Company for the demolition of the existing two-storey cancer support drop-in centre on Friars St in the town and the construction of a new three-storey cancer support drop-in centre at the same site.

However, third party appeals were later lodged with An Bord Pleanála.

Inspector's report

An An Bord Pleanála inspector’s report said the appeals highlighted privacy concerns for neighboring properties and concerns that the area would not be able cope with any further congestion, parking, or increased volumes of traffic, amongst other concerns.

In the report, the inspector recommended that planning permission for the development would be refused.

They said, in the absence of “comprehensive studies of access to daylight and sunlight”, they were not satisfied, that the proposed development would not adversely impact on two local properties “by reason of unacceptable loss of diffuse daylight, sunlight to interiors and overshadowing of private amenity space”.

The inspector also said they considered the proposed development “by reason of its scale, volume, massing and proximity to shared site boundaries” with one of the properties “would have a negative impact on the character of the area by reason of visual obtrusion and overbearance”.

Decision

However, An Bord Pleanála decided not to accept the recommendation and instead uphold Cork County Council’s grant of conditional planning permission.

In its reasoning, the board said it felt that the proposed changes as submitted to the planning authority at the further information stage demonstrated “due regard” for the neighbouring properties and that, subject to compliance with the planning conditions, the proposed development would “be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

There are 13 conditions attached to ABP’s approval of the development.

One stipulates that final details, such as the colour scheme for the building and signage details, must be submitted to the planning authority for approval before the commencement of works.

Another states that a revised plan in respect of the cycle parking area at ground floor level must also be submitted to the planning authority for written agreement prior to the commencement of development.

The cycle parking area, ABP said, must be altered “to include a sheltered/covered roof area to offer protection of bicycles from rain”.

Service

Youghal Cancer Support Centre is a voluntary organisation established to provide cancer support services to the people of East Cork and West Waterford area.

The services, which include counselling, nutritional coaching and Reiki, are available free of charge to adults diagnosed with cancer and their families and friends and parents of children with cancer.