Council’s decision to refuse planning for ‘age-friendly’ homes is upheld

An Coimisiún Pleanála has upheld Meath County Council's Decision to refuse planning permission for 68 “age-friendly” units in two apartment blocks of four and five storeys in Ashbourne

Carrie Flynn was refused permission for the demolition of an existing two-storey house and the development of 68 residential units for the over 55's in two apartment blocks on the site at Castle Street and Killegland Street, Killegland, Ashbourne.

The proposed block A was a four storey apartment block of 35 units and Block B a five-storey apartment block of 33 units and the plans included a communal day room, kitchen, management office, community care room and GP consultation room.

A total of eight submissions were received on the plans with lack of parking highlighted as a major concern for local residents. The proposed development included 17 parking spaces to serve the 68 apartments. Residents in the vicinity argued that this was inadequate to cater for the development and would lead to congestion in the area. Submissions argued out that most over 55's own a car and that the public transport service in Ashbourne is poor.

Meath County Council's reason for refusal included concerns around parking, access and flood risk.

The applicant appealed the refusal to an Coimisiún Pleanála who upheld the decision to refuse planning.

In the order, the planning inspector noted that “the proposed development fails to provide for the sustainable and efficient transport needs of future residents and would be contrary to Sustainable Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities”.