Board rejects plan for housing on flood plain

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a housing development on a sensitive flood plain in Oranmore, Co Galway.
The decision, which has been welcomed by politicians and by the Oranmore Community Development Association, upholds a previous ruling by Galway County Council. The local authority had turned down an application by Lackagh Group Properties for construction of 83 houses, 64 apartments and a creche at Frenchfort, Oranmore.
The developers have already been granted permission for 68 houses on the northern end of the Carrowmoneash flood plain, which is divided by the Frenchfort stream.
The proximity of the location to low-lying coastline and to the Frenchfort stream and its "associated ecological corridor" is cited by the appeals board as one of the main reasons behind its decision.
This corridor links two designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and the planning board believes that any such development could have a negative impact on both.
"The proposed development would constitute an inappropriate design response on this sensitive site, which would provide a poor-quality residential environment, would seriously injure the amenities of the area and of property in the vicinity, and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," it stated.
Oranmore Community Development Association said yesterday that it was "very relieved" at the decision.
"With increased concern about rising sea levels due to global warming, we cannot have such developments on our flood plains," Ray Lavery said on behalf of the association.
During its planning application to build up to 300 houses in the Frenchfort area, Lackagh Group Properties had issued a successful legal challenge to Galway County Council's decision to zone the flood plain as amenity/environment.
Mr Lavery said that the association was now asking the local authority to introduce a material variation to the Oranmore area plan to restore this zoning.
"Otherwise, we are just going to see a repeat of these planning applications," he added.
Labour Party president and Galway West TD Michael D Higgins also welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanála yesterday.
"Frenchfort stream and bog should now be recognised for the wonderful natural resources that they are," Mr Higgins said.
"The local authority and the local community have a great opportunity to develop this resource, among other uses, as an educational setting for the schools in the Oranmore area."
Lorna Siggins
© 2007 The Irish Times