Objections to proposed housing on Skehard Road

THE brakes have been put on plans for dozens of new homes on Skehard Rd after appeals were lodged recently with An Bord Pleanála.

Lyonshall Limited returned with fresh proposals for the development of a site located at the south of Skehard Rd last June after it was refused planning permission more than two years ago for a mixed-use development — which was to include a new Aldi store, residential units, and a café — at the same site.

The new application sought permission for the demolition of a detached 1970s dwelling at the site and the construction of a 90-unit residential development comprising of a mix of apartments, townhouses, and duplex units.

A planning statement said the proposed project would be developed in conjunction with Tuath Housing as a cost rental scheme “in recognition of the significant demand for social and affordable housing in this area”.

Close to three dozen submissions and objections were made in relation to the planning application.

Cork City Council requested some further information before making a decision on the application and subsequently decided to green-light the application subject to 35 conditions.

One condition stipulated that 18 apartments on one level must be omitted from the development “in the interest of clarity and residential amenity”, while another stated that the proposed two-storey duplex block located on the eastern side of the site must be reduced to one and a half storeys.

Two third-party appeals have now been lodged with An Bord Pleanála. Among the concerns expressed in one third-party appeal is that the proposed development, “by reason of its scale, height, bulk, and proximity to the southern boundary of the site, would constitute an incongruous design intervention resulting in serious injury to the residential amenities and property values of residential properties in the adjoining Clover Hill residential estate”.

A decision on the case is due by June 24.