Planning refused again for over 100 houses and apartments in Oranmore

0
2220
Galway Daily news Planning refused for large Oranmore housing development

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a residential development of more than 100 houses and apartments in Oranmore.

Corestone 16 Ltd was refused planning permission in October 2022 for 101 houses and apartments on Coast Road, Oranmore, next to the train station.

The original application made to the county council was for 91 homes, but this was increased in revised plans submitted after the council asked the developer to consider a higher density.

The developer appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála, which has upheld the council’s original decision.

In refusing planning permission on the appeal An Bord Pleanála said that the proposed development failed to adhere to the goals for the Garraun area outlined in the county development plan.

Specifically, the board said that the design lacked clarity on how it would connect with future community facilities and adjoining lands in a way which would accommodate compact growth.

The decision also said that the proposal had a “poor pedestrian environment” as well as “fragmented open spaces”, and also criticised the roads and parking layout.

The estate as proposed, “undermines the delivery of an integrated urban development which is required to ensure the delivery of compact growth.”

The appeal had stated that the estate would create a new greenway with pedestrian and cycling connections to the village and station.

It also argued that the current proposal was the first part of a larger masterplan for the area, adding “As part of the next phase, the central landscaped space will be expanded to create a new central park”.