Planning permission sought for almost 250 homes in Clonakilty

Planning permission is being sought for a new large-scale residential development (LRD), comprising close to 250 homes, in West Cork.

The application, submitted to Cork County Council, was lodged by HB Cloheen Developments Ltd last week.

The development will be located in Cloheen at a site on the South West edge of Clonakilty, approximately 1.2kms from the town centre.

The LRD will feature 246 residential dwellings, including 177 houses, consisting of three five-bed dwellings; 41 four-bed dwellings; 90 three-bed dwellings; 31 two-bed dwellings; and 12 one-bed sheltered housing units.

The plans also include six two-storey four-unit apartment blocks, consisting of 24 two-bed units, and three three-storey 15-unit apartment blocks, consisting of 36 two-bed units and nine one-bed units.

The proposed development will further include a creche spanning 473 sqm, with capacity to accommodate 65 children.

The development will also see provisions made for private, communal, and public open spaces; internal roads and pathways, with potential for future links to adjacent lands; pedestrian and cyclist routes; car parking, including EV charging points and bicycle parking; hard and soft landscaping; and a new access onto the local hotel road to the East, incorporating bridging of the existing stream with associated works.

A new access connecting to the L-9931-0 local road to the West will also be catered for; as well as modifications to car parking at the Clonakilty Park Hotel and the provision of a roundabout; public lighting; a new substation; road improvement works and pedestrian facilities; and connections to the existing networks on the N71 national road and the L-4007-52 local road.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) was submitted alongside the application, which states it is intended that the construction of the proposed development will be carried out in three phases.

The report details that “the construction strategy is designed to deliver the project efficiently while minimising its impact on people, wildlife, and the local environment”.

It also states that it is anticipated “the proposed development will realise positive overall economic and social benefits for the local community and the wider rural area”.

Cork County Council are due to make a decision on the application, which is at the pre-validation stage, by August 6.

A dedicated website has been set up for the development, which can be viewed here: www.cloheenlrd.ie.