Conditional planning granted for 124 apartments in Douglas

Conditional planning permission has been granted for a large scale residential development (LRD) in a busy Cork city suburb.

The plans, lodged by Barrys Field Ltd in January, were given the green-light by Cork City Council on June 4.

The development will see the construction of 124 apartments, comprising a mix of one-, two- and three-bed units, at a site along the Carrigaline Road and Churchyard Lane in Douglas.

The complex, ranging in height from one to five storeys, will also feature an on-site cafe and two commercial office spaces.

Site development works will include the implementation of two new uncontrolled pedestrian crossings; footpath improvements on Churchyard Lane, which will require the removal of six existing on-street car parking spaces; and the connection and construction of a new storm water and foul sewer along the Carrigaline Road.

Access to the site will be delivered via a new vehicle access point, which will require the further removal of four existing car parking spaces; and a new pedestrian connection from the Carrigaline Road will also be facilitated alongside the two new pedestrian connections onto Churchyard Lane.

A number of objections to the development were submitted in advance of Cork City Council’s decision on the application.

Concerns included the height of the apartment blocks and issues relating to strain on local infrastructure.

Cork City Council ultimately decided to approve the application for the LRD, subject to 48 conditions.

One condition stipulates that in the interest of sustainable transport, all parking for the development will be for residents only and shall not be reserved for any individual or individual residential units.

This condition additionally stipulated that five parking spaces are to be set aside as designated electric vehicle charging points.

Another condition stipulates that in the interest of safeguarding and ensuring the longevity of Cork city’s green infrastructure, prior to commencement of construction activity, tree protection measures shall be implemented, and written certification from an arboricultural consultant shall be provided to the council.

In addition, a project arborist shall be appointed for the duration of all construction activity to ensure tree protection is appropriately implemented.