Plans in Killarney for over 120 homes approved

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Planning permission has been granted for a development of more than 120 homes on a greenfield site in Killarney.

Killarney-based Wrightwood Development Ltd, based at Torc Heights, has been granted permission to construct a large estate on a 2.23ha site at Ardshanavooly.

The site is bounded to the south by the Burr Ridge housing estate, a greenfield site to its east, Dennehy’s Boreen to the west and to its north, Deerpark Pitch and Putt Club.

The development totals 124 homes, consisting of 33 three-bedroom maisonettes, 33 two-bed duplex apartments, 16 two-bed duplex maisonettes, 16 one-bed duplex apartments and 16 one-bed apartments, as well as six two-bed apartments and four three-bed terraced houses.

The heights of the buildings will range from two to four storeys, with vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist access to the estate provided from the Burr Ridge estate to its south.

A few objections were received expressing concerns about the increase in noise and a privacy in existing estates adjoining the development site.

Local councillor John O’Donoghue made a submission welcoming the proposals, arguing that the development would provide ‘much-needed’ housing for Killarney.

Cllr O’Donoghue’s request that plans included the provision of wastewater connection points to Dennehy’s Boreen was included in the final planning conditions.

“Currently these houses do not have access to the public wastewater pipe network and I feel this is an abomination in the centre of a large urban area,” wrote Cllr O’Donoghue.

Deerpark Pitch and Putt expressed concerns about the plans causing flooding adjacent to their 7th tee box.

They asked for a detailed plan around this particular observation as well as assurances that the voluntary club wouldn’t have to foot the bill if issues did arise.

The club also asked for serious consideration for a defence barrier between the estate and the club to reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour which they had been the victims of previously.

Planning conditions stated that a fully developed maintenance plan and schedule for storm drainage infrastructure be provided and agreed with the council prior to the construction phase.

Conditions also specify that all site boundary treatments shall be in accordance with the ‘Boundary Treatment Plan’ received by the planning authority.

The boundary plan labels the fence as “netting fence to be agreed and installed by Deerpark Pitch and Putt Club”.

The granting of planning permission is still subject to appeal.