The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
AN Bord Pleanála has upheld a previous decision by Clare County Council to grant planning permission for 48 houses at Smithstown.
It also reduced the amount the developer is required to pay in advance by €45,000.
An order from its board said that subject to compliance with a number of conditions, “the proposed development would constitute an acceptable quantum of development, housing mix and appropriate density for the area”.
The planning board ruled that it would not adversely impact on the residential amenities of adjoining properties or the amenities and operation of the hotel to the south of the site and would not constitute project splitting nor generate a traffic hazard.
“The proposed development would, therefore be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” the report stated.
It upheld a view that the developer should pay €137,000 for 250 metres of 5.5 metres road, and €50,000 for a junction upgrade.
However, it ruled that a charge of €45,000 for the provision of 250 metres of two-metre wide concrete path should not apply to the developer.
It stated, “The costs association with the provision of 250 metres of two-metre wide concrete path (€45,000) as attached in condition number 24 of the planning authority’s decision, should however be omitted as the provision of ‘pedestrian linkages’ is covered by the terms of the Clare County Council Development Contribution Scheme 2017-2023 as set out in Appendix 1, Section 2, Roads, General Improvement Schemes.”
The site in question is located behind the Oakwood Hotel, and describing it, the An Bord Pleanála inspector’s report said, “The subject site is undeveloped and appears to most recently have been used for agricultural purposes.
“There is a small area of hardstanding located to the south western corner of the site with a trailer parked on site. The boundary to the hotel includes mature trees and hedgerows.
“The road side boundaries of the site includes mature hedgerows. Mature hedgerows also delineate field boundaries within the site.
“There are a number of commercial properties in the general area of the site to the south-west and south east including McDonalds Drive Thru, a Circle K filling station, the Shannon Aviation Museum. Other commercial properties including car maintenance businesses are located further to the east of the site.”
The housing mix will consist of 18 two-beds, 26 three-beds and four four-beds.
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
