Locals say proposed student development at Cork city suburb is a 'monstrosity'

Plans for a large-scale student development in Cork city have been subject to more than 40 submissions from local groups and organisations, as the development has been described as a “monstrosity”.

In December of last year, The Echo reported that a revised planning application for a proposed student development on the Model Farm Rd had been resubmitted to Cork City Council by Lyonshall Ltd, following a refusal of their initial submission, which was made in December of 2023.

The original application, refused by the local authority in June, sought to construct a 450-bed development at the site of the former St Joseph’s Convent.

The new planning application, located at the same site, seeks to demolish the old convent building to allow for the construction of a reduced 408-bed student accommodation.

At the time of the resubmission, the managing director of Lyonshall, Kieran Coughlan, said that he thinks the development would be “a plus for Cork city”. 

Mr Coughlan added that while he expected an appeal from those who objected to the development the first time around, he does not expect a refusal from planners or the board.

“It would be most unusual to see it refused a second time,” he said. 

“We have redesigned it to satisfy the board, and so that the residents [of the area] will be more satisfied [also].”

However, despite the modifications made to the plans, a lengthy objection, submitted by the Woodlawn Residents Association (WRA), is among the 45 submissions made to the council in relation to the resubmitted plans.

Chairperson of the WRA, Maurice Leahy, said that the “proposed monstrosity” deprives locals of an opportunity to acquire family homes, and towers over the community like “a dark cloud”.

“The development seeks to give priority to what is, in effect, a commercial development, seeking to maximise profits, to the detriment of local residents and their families, who badly need more family homes in the area,” said Mr Leahy.

“Local residents have unambiguously stated that they have no objection to, and are rather seeking the development of much-needed family homes on this site.

“The differences between the current and previous applications are minimalist.

“The current proposal will bring no benefit to the area, [and] local residents simply want and expect the council to refuse this application.”

Cork City Council is due to make a decision on the application by Wednesday, February 5.