Conditional permission granted for large scale residential development on outskirts of Cork city

Conditional planning permission has been granted for a large scale residential development (LRD) on the outer suburbs of Cork city.

The plans, lodged by Whitestone Corner Properties Ltd in July, were given the green-light by Cork City Council on Monday.

The development will see the construction of 114 apartments, comprising a mix of one-, two- and three-bed units, at a site along the Ballyhooly Road in White’s Cross, on the outer suburbs of Ballyvolane, approximately 2.7km from Cork city centre.

The approved plans will see the demolition and removal of the existing industrial building on-site for the construction of the complex, ranging in height from four to five storeys, comprising 45 one-bed, 43 two-bed, and 26 three-bed units across three blocks.

As part of the development, provisions will also be made for an additional pedestrian accessway, linking the adjoining Longview development, which surrounds the proposed development on the northern, eastern and southern boundaries.

Site development works will further include the implementation of a new footpath, cycle path, and bus stop along the Ballyhooly Road, which the development fronts on the western boundary.

More than 30 objections to the development were submitted in advance of Cork City Council’s decision, with concerns including privacy and safety for children, insufficient parking facilities and concerns for unnecessary unit density.

One local resident, who submitted an objection, stated that the new proposed pedestrian accessway would impact the security and safety of children in the Longview development as “a public shortcut would expose the estate to unknown foot traffic”, and that those who purchased homes in the Longview development did so under the impression that it would be “private and enclosed” with “no future link” indicated at the time of purchase.

Cork City Council ultimately decided to approve the application for the LRD, subject to 45 conditions.

One condition stipulates that in the interest of orderly development and support of enhanced sustainable mobility, full details of the pedestrian link between the subject development and the adjoining Longview estate shall be submitted for the written agreement of the Planning Authority.

It further states that no physical barrier or fencing shall be erected at the connection point to allow for the unimpeded pedestrian access between the Longview estate and the hereby permitted development, and the pedestrian access shall be made open to the public after the completion of Block B, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Planning Authority.

Another condition stipulates that in the interest of the residential amenity, working hours during site clearance and construction will be restricted to between 8am and 6pm on Mondays to Fridays, and between 8am and 4pm on Saturdays. Any deviation from these times must be prior agreed with the Planning Authority.