Planning permission is being sought from An Bord Pleanála for the construction of 102 homes on land south of the Old Dublin Road in Galway City.
The planning application submitted by Alber Developments Ltd is for a Strategic Housing Development consisting of 65 houses and 35 apartments, along with a creche and retail outlet, at Rosshill.
The 4.7ha site is a greenfield plot, accessible from the Rosshill road, which is bordered by multiple one-off housing developments, and a 16 unit estate recently completed to the north-east.
Part of the site was formerly a pitch and put golf course, but this closed down in the early 2000s, and the land is now agricultural grazing land.
It is proposed that a “linear park” will be created along the northern edge of the site, with a public green area with trees and a walking route running the length of it, to a larger green area at the southwest of the site.
The apartment building at the entrance to the site will also feature a communal garden area for residents on the rooftop.
To fulfill Part V planning requirements, Alber Developments intends to provide ten of the units, three apartments and seven houses, to the city council for social or affordable housing.
The development will include a total of 183 car parking spaces, less than the 220 required under the City Development Plan. The 0.4:1 plot ratio of the proposal also exceeds the CDP guidelines of 0.2:1 for this area.
In a Material Contravention letter submitted with the application said that the housing density allowed under the development plan would not be sustainable, and an inefficient use of land when Galway needs housing.
This justification also said that the car parking provided in the plans is sufficient, and will help encourage people to use public transport, cycling, or walking.
Separate plans for 342 homes on land which included this site were previously rejected by An Bord Pleanála in a decision in May of last year.
This planning application is accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment Report, and Stage 1 Road Safety Audit, along with other nature focused reports such as a Tree Survey and Wintering Bird Survey.
Information and reports related to this development can be found online at https://rosshillmanorshd1.ie/.
An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision on whether to grant planning permission for this strategic housing development by October 28.
