Local concern as large housing development approved in Trim

A major 320 unit housing development at Manorlands Trim on the site of the former Pottertons sales yard has been given the green light.

The decision by An Bord Pleanala has been met with anger from local residents as well as calls for more infrastructure, including schools.

Fears that the town's schools and GP practices will come under even greater strain have been expressed by Cllr Noel French while local residents have described the project as a "disaster".

Keegan Land Holdings have been granted permission to build a 320-unit residential complex on the site of the former Potterton salesyard on the Summerhill Road.

Plans for the site of just over nine hectares include 320 dwellings comprising 136 two, three and four-bed houses; 120 apartments within four three to five -storey buildings; 64 duplex apartments within eight three-storey blocks; a creche and community centre.

There are 563 car parking spaces provided for, and 188 secure/covered bicycle parking areas including new cycleways and footpaths to the site at Charterschool Land, Manorlands and Commons townlands.

The site is currently a wasteland containing rubble and concrete stands from the former salesyard complex.

The lands stretch from the county council's municipal area offices at Mornington House to the Applegreen station on the Longwood Road roundabout, opposite the Mornington Heights estate.

Four previous planning applications for the development of up to 169 units by the previous owners, Potterton Marts, were refused permission over 10 years ago, and the site has lain derelict since. Pottertons moved their business to their Delvin salesyard in the early 2000s.

Local resident, Maurice Finnegan described the proposed development as a disaster for a heritage town like Trim.

"It is terrible to have a development like this on the approach roads to our town. I live in Manorands and the development backs right up against us and it wil also overlook the Mornington estate.

"I know people need somewhere to live, but the sheer scale of this development is ridiculous."

Cllr Noel French said there was a lot of concern at the way the apartment blocks will overlook Mornington Heights.

"We will need new schools and other infrastructure to accommodate the increase in population. Our schools already have problems accommodating the demand for school places and local GP practices are under huge pressure," he said.