Plans to build almost 90 new homes in North Cork blocked

In rejecting the scheme initially, the council noted issues with dealing with wastewater from the new homes. 

In upholding this decision, An Bord Pleanála also noted that part of the development would be located on lands which are not zoned for residential use.

Elsewhere, plans for some 330 residential units at Knockgriffin in Midleton may be set to proceed.

An appeal had been lodged in relation to the scheme, which includes 199 three- and four-bed houses, as well as 131 two-bed apartments.

The apartments would be developed in 11 two-storey buildings, four three-storey buildings, and one four-storey neighbourhood centre building, which includes a creche, retail unit, medical centre, pharmacy, and cafe.

A series of additional works were also proposed as part of the plan, including footpaths, pedestrian, and cycle lanes, car and bicycle parking, bin storage and other associated amenities.

Developer Havenfalls Limited had appealed the nature of the conditions imposed on it by Cork County Council.

Its appeal had included a request for the omission of a condition which would see the developer pay a special contribution towards the development of a railway bridge which, it says, is already covered under a different contribution scheme.

It also claims a different development contribution "has been overcharged" and has asked for a "more flexible approach to the delivery of the creche/childcare facility" proposed.

However, just a few weeks after submitting the appeal, the developer has now withdrawn it, potentially signalling that the project will proceed with initial conditions intact.