Planning granted for 19-unit apartment in Kerry town

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Planning has finally been granted for a major apartment block in Tralee after a nearly five-year planning battle and a high court decision.

Tim Cowhig of Tulfarris CG Ltd has been given permission to construct a 19-unit residential block on New Canal Road in the town’s centre.

The apartments consist of 11 one-bed units and eight two-bed units, with two units to be used as social housing and two as affordable housing.

Featuring a modern urban design, the building also includes balconies, a private courtyard and a solar panelled roof.

Parking provision consists of a two-space on-street set-down area and one disabled parking space, as well as bicycle storerooms inside the apartment complex.

The original brownfield site has been the location of a five-year planning campaign which has seen the proposals go all the way up to the High Court.

After submitting their first application on the site in 2021, the developer took the decision to demolish the existing Old Jones Woodcraft Building on public health and safety grounds.

Their application to retain the demolition and construct the 19-unit apartment block was subsequently approved by the council but halted by an appeal.

While An Bord Pleanála (ABP) upheld the council’s decision but the High Court intervened and quashed the planning regulator’s decision.

Upon re-assessment, ABP ruled that the demolition work “may not have been adequately detailed” and refused to grant permission.