'Faceless bureaucrats must account for themselves' regarding refusal of Cork city apartment plan

A Cork city councillor has criticised the decision of An Bord Pleanála to reject a planning application for the development of more than 800 apartments in the docklands.

An Bord Pleanála rejected the planning application made by Tiznow Property Company Limited.

This consisted of the demolition of existing structures, construction of 823 apartments, creche, and associated site works, along Tedcastles Yard on Centre Park Rd and the Marina in Cork.

Outlining their reasoning for rejecting the planning application, the board of An Bord Pleanála said: “It is considered that the proposed development by reason of its design, scale, bulk, and mass would be visually obtrusive when viewed from various viewpoints in the immediate vicinity, as well as from views citywide and the surrounding hinterland of the city.”

An Bord Pleanála also rejected the plans because as part the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 the site was zoned for educational use.

“The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan has called on An Bord Pleanála to provide further detailed explanation behind their rationale for rejecting the application.

Giving his reaction to the development in the Cork City docks being rejected, Mr Horgan said: “In the middle of a housing crisis, with data [homelessness figures] from Government hitting 15,580, 10,805 adults and 4,775 children, we see a development on one of the largest brownfield sites in the city rejected by Dublin.

“A rejection that comes while there is still a process under way regarding the variation for the docklands under the development plan.

“A rejection that could have taken a more nuanced approach and said proceed but change.”

Mr Horgan added that better decisions in relation to planning applications are required.

“Politicians get it in the neck, and rightly so, for the lack of movement in addressing homelessness. But when one sees a decision like this, which strikes at the heart of the docklands project to house and create a mini city, the faceless bureaucrats must account for themselves in some fashion.

“A recent rejection for the Gouldings site in Marino Point has a direct impact on the docklands. We need better planning decisions to take account of the urgency we face.”

The proposed development also made provision for three cafe/restaurant units, two public houses, seven retail units, and a convenience retail story which would include the sale of alcohol for consumption off-premises.

A library, medical centre, pharmacy, post office, dentist, and two childcare facilities with 130 childcare spaces were also planned as part of the development.