LDA granted permission for changes to housing plan for former St Kevin’s Hospital site

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has secured planning permission for a series of amendments to the housing plan for Cork’s former St Kevin’s Hospital and grounds in Shanakiel.

The agency, which previously secured planning permission to build more than 260 units, an enterprise centre and creche facilities at the site, lodged an application with Cork City Council earlier this year seeking permission for changes to the scheme.

It proposed the replacement of the permitted Block G — a three-storey apartment building comprising 10 duplex apartments — with six two-storey townhouses.

Additionally, the application sought permission for the internal reconfiguration and change of use of the permitted ground-floor creche, to provide six apartments with no associated changes to elevations of the building, and the change of use and internal reconfiguration of the permitted enterprise space in the chapel to a creche with an outdoor play area.

The Land Development Agency said these amendments would provide an overall increase of two units on the site. The application also sought permission for all associated site development and excavation works above and below ground as well as necessary works to refurbish and repair.

Cork City Council has now granted permission for the changes, subject to 12 conditions.

One condition stipulates that, prior to the commencement of any works to the chapel building, a measured survey of the building indicating the location of all historic fabric and interior features and fittings, which clearly indicates which elements are to be retained in situ, relocated or removed, must be submitted to and agreed in writing with the planning authority.

The Land Development Agency previously said its vision is to transform the currently “defunct and derelict former Victorian mental asylum lands into a new vibrant residential community for the people of Cork”.

“This underutilised site, on the south-facing Shanakiel Ridge, looking over the River Lee, has the opportunity to be an exemplary housing development, offering housing for all sectors of our society in our community.

“The Land Development Agency is mandated by Government to develop such sites that are in public ownership and there is no better example of such an opportunity as this strategic site in the heart of Cork.”

The first phase of the development is on track for completion next year.