113 Douglas homes stalled by residents’ objection

Plans for more than 100 homes in Douglas have been stalled due to appeals by local residents, who have queried the impact the development would have on already congested traffic.

Johnson and Perrott Property Development Ltd had been granted permission for 113 homes and a creche across two planning applications for sites at South Douglas Rd, between Rathmore Lawn and Tramore Lawn, on December 18, 2024.

The South Douglas Rd development had been split into two applications: One for 93 homes and a creche, and the other for 20 homes.

A planning statement submitted with the application for the 93 homes and the creche contended that the proposed development “is a very high-quality scheme” which would “assist in the delivery of local, regional, and national level planning policy objectives”.

It said the two planning applications “tie-in seamlessly with each other delivering an attractive, sustainable scheme that is in accordance with national, regional, and local planning policy”.

“In addition, the proposal provides a creche which provides necessary childcare services for the resident community,” it said.

“The proposed development has been designed having regard to all relevant planning policies and guidance.

It considered that the development accords with national, regional, and local, sustainable planning principles, particularly in relation to the promotion of more compact and efficient forms of urban development and increased residential densities in appropriate locations.

“The density proposed will make efficient use of existing and planned infrastructure and services in the area, including existing and planned public transport infrastructure.”

However, people who live near this development outlined problematic traffic, with one saying: “The area already has high levels of traffic congestion and this will make a difficult situation even worse.”

The 5.5m width of the proposed entry point into the estate was pointed out by several appellants, who said that it would lead to safety issues and not be able to support the amount of travel in and out of the estate.

Appellants also expressed concerns about the overall size and density of the development, concerns with boundary lines, and car parking, among other matters.

Concerns were additionally expressed that the creche as proposed has a single vehicular assess, two drop off spaces and four staff parking spaces, which appellants said would increase traffic and they regarded the parking as insufficient.

A decision is to be made by An Bórd Pleanála on the case by May 20 this year.