Kells regeneration project plans to go on public display next week

Meath County Council's vision for the regeneration of Carrick Street and Maudlin Street in Kells with has moved a step closer with plans due to go on public display next week.

The council has been working on a proposal to provide a total of 47 social housing units with a mix of apartments and houses.

The plans have been drawn up by Dundalk based Van Dyke Architects and will see nine derelict units refurbished to provide 11 new residential units as well as the construction of 36 new homes.

The development is made up of eight one-bedroom apartments, 12 one-bedroom universal design apartments, one two-bedroom apartment, two two-bedroom universal design apartments, 14 two-bedroom two-storey houses, two two-bedroom universal design two-storey houses, one three-bedroom apartment, three three-bedroom two-storey houses, and four three-bedroom universal design two-storey houses.

A Natura Impact Statement was prepared on the application. Under the Planning and Development Act, the council cannot decide on its own scheme where a Natura Impact Statement is required, so this scheme will therefore be decided upon by An Bord Pleanála.

During a recent visit to Kells, Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien viewed the plans and met with representatives from Van Dyke Architects.

The project involves the conservation and restoration of a number of council-acquired derelict dwellings to bring them back into use, with a development of new housing to the backlands of these properties.

The plans will be on display from 2nd August to 16th September at Meath County Council, Buvinda House, and at www.meath.ie/council-services/planning and building.