Plans for 42 homes in Tipperary hit setback after council deems application invalid
Plans for 42 new homes in Thurles have hit a setback after Tipperary County Council deemed the planning application invalid.
Coolross Homes Ltd had applied to the council for planning permission to build the new homes on a site at Innisfail, on Kickham Street in Thurles.
Under the plans, a mix of two- three- and four-bedroom homes would be built on the site, as well as a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The homes are proposed for the grounds of Inisfail House, a protected structure dating from 1898.
Planning documents state that the developer intends to submit a separate application to redevelop Inisfail House in the coming months.
Under the plans, nine of the new homes would be transferred to Tipperary County Council to be used as social houses for people on the county council housing list.
According to planning documents, the homes, if built, would be designed to be accessible to all, with living accommodation provided on the ground floor of each home should it be needed by the resident.
Innisfail house. © Tipperary County Council planning portal
An architectural heritage assessment submitted with the application says that the planned development “retains the existing historic buildings and entrance off Kickham Street,” and would not “negatively impact on the character or setting of the protected structure”.
The agent added that works may be required on the main house to ensure it is watertight, seperate from any planned redevelopment works in the future.
“Consideration could be given to discussing temporary works with the local authority, with the intention of ensuring the historic building is both secure and watertight.
“The local authority have provided a declaration clearly defining the works that can be undertaken at the property, as developments exempt from the requirement for planning permission,” the agent said.
However, Tipperary County Council have deemed the plans to be invalid, meaning Coolross Homes must address the issues with the planning application before it is considered by planners.
According to the council, the site notice did not state that the proposed works would be undertaken within the curtilage of a protected structure.
Planners also identified discrepancies between the floor plans and roof plans submitted for one block.
The developer will now have to address the errors and reapply for planning permission for the housing development.