Galway County Council has granted planning permission for a housing development in Headford, while the developer is challenging the financial contribution required.
The council approved plans for eight houses on a greenfield site on the northern edge of Headford, along the R334.
The original plans were for 10 houses, but this was reduced at the request of the council for an increased provision of public open space.
Planning permission for the housing development was granted with a total of 27 conditions attached.
Condition No. 26 states that a “special contribution” of €50,000 must be paid to “facilitate installation of supplementary road measures at R334 gateway transitional zone”.
This would include “necessary road improvements” and reinstating line markings and footpaths which would be damaged during construction.
This has been appealed by the applicant, stating that they are not aware of any supplementary measures to be installed at this location, and that none are specified in the county development plan.
The appeal seeks clarity on how the figure of €50,000 was reached, clarity on the nature and timeframe of any works which are to be carried out, and confirmation that such a contribution would be ringfenced for this usage or refunded if not used.
The appeal also contends that the reinstatement of line markings and footpaths would be covered by their general development contribution.
