Councillors approve 23 social homes in Cork suburb of Grange despite objections

City councillors have voted in favour of 23 social homes being built at a vacant site at Cooney’s Lane, Grange, despite some local objections. 

The proposed development comprises the demolition of existing buildings, a single-storey dwelling and shed, and the construction of 23 homes.

It is to be carried out for Cork City Council by way of a project agreement with Lyonshall Ltd.

The ‘right-sizing’ development will provide smaller homes for people whose families have reduced and are looking to downsize so their existing homes can be used for people in need of larger units.

The initial proposal was for 24 homes ranging in height from one to three storeys; two one-bed houses, 16 one-bed apartments, six two-bed apartments, and 11 car parking spaces. However, this was changed to 23 one-bed units, two houses, and 21 apartments, with a height of two storeys, with more parking spaces also added.

Forty-eight submissions/observations to the proposals were received by the council including one by the Frankfield and Grange Residents’, signed by 61 residents. 

Many of these submissions raised issues, with several suggesting that the planning application demonstrated overdevelopment, with a disregard for the quality and character of the local area.

The council said the development was well below the maximum achievable density for such locations such and they had taken the submissions into account and redesigned the proposal to reduce the height by one storey and include one less unit.