Planning refusal for 68 ‘age-friendly’ apartments in Meath appealed
A refused planning application for 68 “age-friendly” apartments in Ashbourne has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála by the developer.
The proposal, submitted by Carrie Flynn for a site at Castle Street and Killegland Street, sought permission for two apartment blocks: a four-storey Block A with 35 units and a five-storey Block B with 33 units.
The scheme included one and two-bedroom apartments, four studio units, and communal facilities such as a GP consultation room, a community care room, a beauty suite, and bicycle storage.
The project also involved demolishing an existing two-storey dwelling and carrying out associated site works, including changes to roadside boundaries and footpaths.
Meath County Council refused permission in October, following concerns over traffic, parking, flood risk, and the suitability of the scheme for residents intending to downsize.
Officials argued that the development would represent an “intensification” of use on an already busy site with inadequate access and parking, potentially endangering public safety and negatively affecting the public realm.
The Planning Authority also highlighted insufficient bicycle parking, poor pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, and the risk that floodwaters could be displaced onto neighbouring roads, as the site is located within Flood Zone B.
In the absence of sufficient flood-risk assessment and mitigation measures, the council concluded that granting permission would be contrary to the Meath County Development Plan 2021–2027 and “prejudicial” to public health.
Meanwhile, eight submissions were lodged on the proposal. A first-party appeal has now been submitted and is currently under consideration by An Coimisiún Pleanála.