Green light given for 52-unit residential development in south Mayo
In its planning statement, Sayvale 24 Ltd estimated that the project would generate approximately €17.5 million in construction investment and create or support at least 200 jobs.
Mayo County Council has given the green light to a major residential development in south Mayo, which will deliver 52 new homes.
Sayvale 24 Ltd submitted plans in August for the development on the Kilcolman Road and Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris. The scheme comprises 24 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom apartments and 16 three-bedroom houses.
The development will also include new pedestrian and cycling links through the site, with a connection to Ballyhaunis Road.
The site is bounded to the north by the N60 national road, to the east by the Lidl store, to the south by the Cluain Ard residential development and to the west by Claremorris GAA grounds. It also adjoins backland areas behind Hillside Service Station and the rear garden of a private residence.
The brownfield site already has planning permission for a 44-apartment development.
€17.5 million construction investment
In its planning statement, Sayvale 24 Ltd estimated that the project would generate approximately €17.5 million in construction investment and create or support at least 200 jobs.
Once completed, the development is also expected to provide accommodation for approximately 130 people.
The applicant argued that the scheme would help address significant housing demand in Claremorris, citing the Mayo County Development Plan and highlighting previous housing under provision and unmet targets under earlier development plans.
Objection raised by neighbouring site
In September, Paul Hunt, owner of Hillside Service Station in Claremorris, lodged a submission with Mayo County Council outlining concerns about the proposed development.
Mr Hunt stated that, given his premises are at a “substantially lower level” than the development site, he would have expected shadow studies and details of overlooking distances to be included as part of the planning application.
He also raised concerns regarding security and safety.
Despite the objection, Mayo County Council has granted planning permission for the 52-unit development, subject to 20 conditions.
Planning conditions
Among the conditions imposed by the council is a requirement that the name of the estate or overall development reflect the townland name or a feature of the surrounding area. The final name must be agreed in writing with Mayo County Council before development begins, with the stated aim of protecting the identity of the area.
The developer must also lodge a cash deposit of €4,000 per housing unit with the council before construction commences. For the 52-unit scheme, this amounts to €208,000.
The deposit will serve as security for the provision and satisfactory completion of roads, footpaths, public lighting, open space, landscaping and other services associated with the development. The council will be empowered to draw on the deposit, in whole or in part, to ensure the satisfactory completion of the required works.