Green light for more than 100 new homes in East Cork despite some concerns from locals 

Plans for a large-scale residential development on the site of the former Ballinacurra Mill in East Cork have been given the green light.

The proposed development, consisting of almost 130 homes, was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála despite concerns raised through an appeals process by local residents.

Concerns highlighted include increased traffic congestion, flood risks, and impacts to neighbouring homes during construction.

However, the approved plans will see 128 homes built on the 3.7-hectare site of the former mill near Midleton.

Construction of the homes will commence following the demolition of several structures associated with the former facility, including three vacant dwellings, an outbuilding associated with Eastville House, and an extension to the rear of Rosehill House.

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

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

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

They will also see the repair and conservation of Rosehill House.

The 25 apartments will be provided through the conversion and change of use of the existing mill building structures, while the development also includes a 34-space creche, a cafe, 214 parking spaces, 114 cycle spaces, charging spaces, retail units, an office unit, and one ground-floor medical centre unit.

An Coimisiún Pleanála attached revised conditions following the appeal, including that the developer must stabilise the historic buildings and keep a record of all surviving interior fabric within the mill buildings.