One of the largest ever private housing developments for Killarney has been refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála, after appeals by local third parties.
The plans by property developers Dunboy Construction for 184 dwellings and a creche, roads and access points in a 20-acre wooded hillside known as Cronin's Wood at Park had been approved by the local town council.
The application was originally accompanied by applications for a retail park, which was later withdrawn, and for light industrial units, which has this week been approved by the town council.
The plans attracted submissions on the housing by An Taisce which expressed concerns about the wood as well as the South Western Regional Fisheries Board expressing concern about the impact on nearby water courses with the removal of soil.
The housing was given the go-ahead on a number of conditions including that much of the woodland could be retained. However the local council decision was appealed by Michael and Timothy Moynihan, local farmers who worried about complaints from the new residents, and Denis Fenton, also a neighbouring resident. The appellants raised concerns about the suitability of the apartments on an edge of town site, layout as well as screening and fencing.
Bord Pleanála inspector Stephen O'Sullivan found the proposed development would lead to the loss of most of the woods on the site. "This would significantly reduce the extent to which the woods have provided a scenic backdrop at the eastern edge of town," he warned.
He also criticised the proposals for management of trees on the site and the layout of the development as of "low visual quality poorly integrated into the fabric of the town". The board ruled in accordance with its inspector's findings.
Meanwhile a holiday home development of 12 houses overlooking the blue flag beach of Rossbeigh has also been refused by An Bord Pleanála. Kerry County Council had granted planning permission.
Anne Lucey
© 2007 The Irish Times
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