Council approval for 'much needed' social housing on derelict Cork city site

A derelict site at Farranlea Road in the city centre is to be replaced with 12 new social housing apartments, despite concerns about parking and sunlight-blocking.

The development, approved by 26 votes to one in a Cork City Council meeting this week, will consist of five one-bed units and seven two-bed units.

The demolition of existing structures, the construction of the new dwelling units in a four-storey block, two car-parking spaces, and 26 bicycle-parking spaces were included in the proposal, as well as ancillary and associated site works including lighting, drainage, boundary treatments, landscaping, and communal bin storage.

The development will provide “much-needed” social housing and will be allocated in accordance with Cork City Council’s Housing Allocations Scheme, the council confirmed. 

Concerns

Concerns were raised, following public consultation, regarding the proposed parking for residents and visitors of the proposed development, and the impact this could have on existing on-street parking, with people suggesting that a basement car park should be provided with the development.

The council responded: “This derelict infill site, located in a built-up urban area, has the potential to deliver much-needed housing, whilst restoring the streetscape on what is a derelict property.

“Provision of parking on this compact site would significantly reduce or eliminate the space available for housing, making the development less viable.

“This will encourage alternative modes of travel, and this provision is in line with the Cork City Development Plan’s objective of reducing car dependency in well-connected urban areas. Further, the provision of two car-parking spaces is in line with the city council’s maximum parking standards, emphasising the goal to minimise car dependency.

“Similar to other developments where minimising car use is encouraged, the units will be advertised as such, and attract those who do not own a car.”

Committed

They explained that the development is located close to major public transport services, including the 24-hour bus route 220, and that the council is committed to improving cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.

Valerie O’Sullivan, the council’s chief executive, called it “an innovative intervention and sustainable housing solution”.

She explained that it has been the subject of an appropriate assessment screening and an environmental impact assessment screening, which did not identify any issues with the site.