15 houses to be built beside Wexford Racecourse despite concerns regarding ‘equine welfare’
Wexford PeopleFifteen new houses are to be built on the outskirts of Wexford town despite appeals from neighbouring residents regarding potential traffic hazards and over-population. The units, which will consist of one 4-bed house, seven 3-bed houses, a 5-bed house, and a 2-storey apartment block comprising of six 1-bed units to be occupied by persons with learning or intellectual disability, are to be constructed in Carricklawn adjacent to Wexford Racecourse.
Having initially applied to Wexford County Council (WCC) for planning permission on October 31, 2024 a Mr Leonard Poole was subsequently granted planning on May 23 of this year. However, on June 5 an appeal was lodged to the national planning authority, An Coimisíun Pleanála (ACP), by Eugene and Miriam Walsh, William Roche, Donal Siggins, and Noel Cummins.
As a result, an inspection of the proposed site was carried out by ACP inspector Sarah O’Mahony on September 1 to determine whether it was suitable for development.
In her report, Ms O’Mahony outlined the grounds of appeal as per the objections of the four appellants listed above.
They argued that the surrounding area has “been developed in the absence of an LAP (local area plan), substantially increasing population and traffic in the area”, that the proposed development consists of “an inappropriate housing mix which does not meet the needs of the area”, and that the “proposed density and scale are out of character with established development and would not comply with the County Development Plan (CDP)”.
The appellants also raised a number of concerns regarding the impact on traffic in the area, noting that the number of cars in the average driveway has increased significantly since development began in Carricklawn.
“Inadequate consideration was given to the extent of existing on-street car parking, particularly during the construction phase,” they said. “Carricklawn was built in the 1980s during a period of lower private car ownership meaning that dwellings were designed with space for one vehicle and there is now much overflow parking on the access road.”
Additionally, issues with sightlines and pedestrian safety were raised by residents who called for a new pre-planning meeting to be held with the developer to fully assess the proposed development.
Responding to these concerns, Mr Poole noted that WCC’s roads department had approved the development and that “traffic surveys” and “speed surveys” concluded that the junction between the L7084 and Carricklawn estate can “accommodate the proposed development”.
Regarding car parking, he stated that the proposed development “complies with CDP standards” and therefore the appellants’ perception that “the 1980s Carricklawn estate has not been designed to accommodate modern standards in terms of car parking provision is inaccurate”.
Aside from the applicant (Mr Poole) and the four appellants, there was one further observation submitted for this case from Carline Noctor and Laurence Kehoe which primarily focused on the potential impact to the local fauna.
“The proposed development would raise an equine welfare concern due to its proximity to the racecourse,” they contended. “The site is a wildlife haven and environmentally its development would spell disaster including on people’s mental health and wellbeing. It is one of the few remaining green areas in Wexford which is overrun with developments.”
In her assessment, Ms O’Mahony began by addressing the suggestion the houses were going to be developed in the absence of a functioning Local Area Plan.
“I do not agree that the principle of development is premature based solely on the absence of a zoning objective or LAP for the site,” she said. “There is a current CDP and relevant national policies in place which will aid in assessing the application on its own merits, as is the case for any other proposal on un-zoned lands.
“I consider there is sufficient guidance available in the CDP regarding density, building height, design, layout, housing mix and access etc, to facilitate a robust assessment of the proposed development.”
She also responded to the appellants’ concerns regarding the proposed housing mix and its impact on the area.
“I am satisfied that the proposed housing mix represents an appropriate mix of dwelling types which are not monotonous. Further, the variation in housing types which includes single storey, two storey and two and a half storey units is an acceptable variation in unit types which in my view responds to the diverse needs of a thriving community.”
On the issue of traffic hazards and the safety of road users, Ms O’Mahony noted that neither the National Transport Authority (NTA) nor the roads department at WCC raised “any concerns regarding traffic safety or transportation matters”.
Recommending that planning permission be granted, Ms O’Mahony said “the proposed development would be appropriate in terms of density, scale and height, would not result in the creation of a traffic hazard, and would not seriously injure the amenities of neighbouring properties in the area.
"The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”