Midleton housing plan is appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála

Planning permission for a large-scale residential development at the former Ballinacurra Mill Buildings in North Cork has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The proposed plans, which seek to build 128 residential units, a creche and a café, on the grounds at Ballynacorra West in Midleton, were submitted to Cork County Council by Ballinacurra Project Limited Partnership in February, and were green-lit by the local authority in April.

An appeal objecting to the development was lodged shortly after with An Coimisiún Pleanála, with a decision due in the coming weeks.

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of several structures associated with the former mill, including three vacant dwellings, an outbuilding associated with Eastville House, and an extension to the rear of Rosehill House.

The 128 residential units would comprise 103 houses and 25 apartments.

One part of the development would see the construction of 92 houses, ranging in height from two to three storeys. There would be 39 two-bedroom units, 36 would be three-bedroom units, and 17 would be four-bedroom units.

Plans would also see the conversion of the use of existing structures into eight houses, comprising one three-bedroom dwelling in the Rosehill House outbuildings, and three two-bedroom dwellings and four three-bedroom dwellings in the mill buildings.

They would also see the repair and conservation of Rosehill House, with the construction of one four-bedroom dwelling, and the conversion of Eastville House into one two-bedroom dwelling and one three-bedroom dwelling.

The 25 apartments would be provided through the conversion and change of use of the existing mill building structures, ranging in height from three to four storeys.

The approved development also includes plans for a 34-space creche, a café, 214 parking spaces, 114 cycle spaces, charging spaces, retail units, an office unit, and one ground floor medical centre unit.

While the development was approved subject to 34 conditions, three appeals were lodged with the planning authority, one on behalf of more than 10 residents in the local area.

Concerns highlighted included prior planning refusals on the site due to flood risks, increased traffic congestion, increased population and density, and negative impacts to public transportation and amenities. An Coimisiún Pleanála will decide by August 8.