Planning for 133 homes in Ashford

The application by Ardstone Homes Ltd south for the Strategic Housing Development sought permission to construct 117 terraced and semi-detached two storey houses and 16 duplex apartments in two three store blocks.

The 117 houses will be broken down into 21 two bed units, 48 three bed units and 48 four bed units. The duplex apartments will comprise of eight two bed and eight three bed apartments.

The partially completed Ballinahinch Woods residential development is located to the west of the site, on the opposite side of the R764.

This site is also within the ownership of the applicant and comprises 169 residential units and a crèche facility. There are also a number of detached dwellings on both sides of the R764.

The Board completed an appropriate assessment screening exercise in relation to the potential effects of the proposed development on designated European sites, ad concluded that, by itself or in combination with other development in the vicinity, the proposed development would not be likely to have a significant effect on any European site.

The Board further concluded that, by reason of the nature, scale and location of the subject site, the proposed development would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

The Board found that the proposed development, if granted, would be in material contravention of the Ashford Town Plan 2016-2022, but would be justified by objectives 4, 33 and 35 in the National Planning Framework and section 4.7 of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region 2019-2031O.

Furthermore, the Board considered that the proposed development would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity.

It was also considered acceptable in terms of urban design, height and quantum of development and would be acceptable in terms of traffic and pedestrian safety and convenience.

The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The main vehicular access to the development will be provided from the existing roundabout junction at the R764 to the west of the site.