Crusheen set for more housing

FURTHER housing development could be on the cards for Crusheen, with an application for 42 new homes being considered by planners.
Proposals from Woodhaven Developments, which have been submitted in recent weeks, represent the next phase of a master plan for lands close to the village centre, on the Gort side. The site is zoned for mixed use and transport utilities.
The current application seeks permission for 34 two-storey homes; four two-storey homes with additional attic space and four single-storey houses.
In a detailed design statement, Woodhaven outlines how it plans to begin construction on the homes immediately after the completion of the Cluain Fia estate “and the granting of an acceptable planning permission”.
The company estimates that completion of the estate will take 36 months and represent an investment of €10.3 million, and the creation of 42 jobs.
Discussions on the provision of social housing have taken place with the Housing Section of the council and Woodhaven’s application states that “social housing will be delivered in line with current legislation”.
Earlier this year, Woodhaven secured planning permission for another site in the heart of Crusheen.
Those lands are earmarked for a residential estate as well as retail and office units.
In respect of the current application, the developers say it “would add an additional population base to strengthen the future mixed use development”.
The company has also pledged to consult the community as to the possible uses of that facility.
As with the previous residential and mixed use application, Woodhaven has cited correspondence stating that Irish Rail has no plans to develop a train station on the lands, which are beside the former station building.
Following a pre-planning meeting, Woodhaven says that the principle of the development is considered acceptable and that the layout of the 42-home estate has “evolved” based on the process.
The company acknowledges the council’s aim of seeing a streetscape created in Crusheen and it says its design approach will be respectful of the “distinctive personality” of the mid-nineteenth century vernacular architecture of the village.
Submissions on the current application are being accepted up to December 13.
Planners have given January 12 as a provisional decision date for the application.