Galway county council has given permission for the construction of 11 new homes at Parkmore in Tuam.
The development at Rivercrest estate, Parkmore will consist of eight two-storey, semi-detached houses, and three two-storey, terraced houses.
The 1067m² development would in effect be an extension to the existing Rivercrest estate in Tuam and will connect in to the infrastructure there.
Under planning regulations one unit would have to be set aside for social/affordable housing.
However it’s understood that discussions are taking place between the county council and developers to possibly acquire the entire site for social and affordable housing.
Applicant Terry McCann submitted his request for permission to build these houses back in February on land owned by James Higgins of WhiteDrive Developments ltd.
In April the council made a request for further information on several issues including the site’s flood risk, whether there is a manager for the estate, and site indrastructure which was answered in July.
An environmental report on the proposed development written by the Moore Group, Archaeological and Environmental Services, found that it would have no impact on Lough Corrib or the surrounding habitats.
The developer is required to submit a cash bond of €77,000 to the county council before construction begins to pay for public lighting, footpaths and other services connected to the development.
One local submission was received by the council during the planning phase requesting clarity on what boundaries would be in place around the site, and whether it would increase the flood risk in the area.
The city planner’s report on the site found that the development will have no adverse impact on the area’s flood risk.
It’s expected that construction will take three years to complete once works begin.
The county gave permission for work to go ahead with 16 conditions attached.