Planning refused for proposed 41 unit housing development in County Mayo town
Planning permission has been refused for a 41‑unit housing development proposed for Garryduff Park North in Snugboro, Castlebar, due to concerns over vehicular access and the impact on neighbouring residential estates.
The application, submitted by MGB Holdings, formed part of a wider masterplan that hoped to deliver 164 homes across three sites in the Garryduff area.
The refused application, for ‘Site Three’ of the masterplan, proposed a mix of six one‑bed apartments, six two‑bed units, 23 three‑bed homes and six four‑bed homes on a 1.03‑hectare site.
It also sought permission to construct a single‑storey creche facility with a play area, and included space for 91 car parking spaces.
Provision was also made for a new vehicular and pedestrian access point via the Victoria Place housing estate, along with all associated works, including internal roads, footpaths, cycle parking and public and private open spaces.
The Garryduff Park North proposal was one of three applications lodged by MGB Holdings in June and July of last year.
Planning applications for ‘Site One’ and ‘Site Two’ are currently on hold as planners at Mayo County Council have asked for further information.
If approved, Site One at Garryduff Park East would comprise 55 units on a 1.71‑hectare site, including a mix of one-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, and four-bedroom housing units, along with 100 car parking spaces.
Site Two at Garryduff Park West would deliver 68 units on a 2.24-hectare site, offering a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom housing units, with provision for 136 car parking spaces.
The Garryduff Park North application drew multiple objections from local residents, including a submission from the Victoria Place estate signed by more than 60 people opposing the proposed access route through their estate.
Residents warned that additional traffic would pose risks to pedestrians, noting that the existing road is already too narrow to accommodate two-way traffic when cars are parked along it.
Concerns were also raised about the overall increase in traffic congestion, the loss of green space, and the increase in noise, dust and disruption during construction.
While acknowledging the need for new housing in Castlebar, the Victoria Place Residents Association said its objection was in relation to the suitability of the site, rather than the development itself.
A separate submission, signed by 22 residents in the Glencarra area, objected on the grounds that the proposed housing density would be excessive for the locality and raised concerns about increased vehicular traffic on an already busy road, which would add to congestion and pose a risk to drivers and pedestrians.
The submission highlighted concerns over the site’s elevated position, noting that the proposed two- and three-storey units at Garryduff Park North would overlook existing homes in the Glencarra estate.
A representation was also made by local councillor Harry Barrett on behalf of Glencarra residents, echoing concerns about the impact on the area, including traffic levels, access issues and the overall scale of the proposal.
Cllr Barrett asked that the residents' concerns be given “full and proper consideration” when files were being reviewed.
Planners at Mayo County Council refused the application due to the proposed vehicular entrance through Victoria Place.
They stated it would contravene a housing objective in the Castlebar Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2023–2029, which seeks to safeguard the amenity and integrity of completed residential estates.
“The proposed development would seriously injure the residential amenities and depreciate the value of property in the vicinity and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” planners noted.
The decision was made on April 21, 2026, and any appeals can be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanala within four weeks of that date.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.