Ballinrobe development

Refusal recommended for 64-unit development

Claire Egan

A MAJOR residential development proposed for Ballinrobe town has been recommended for refusal by Mayo County Council on the grounds that it is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
An application by David O’Malley, on behalf of Mr Paul Fox, proposed to construct an apartment development comprising 64 self-contained apartments in four, three-storey blocks at Knockfereen, Ballinrobe.
Other associated works included the construction of a new access bridge over the Bulkan river, along with associated ancillary works and the construction of bicycle and car-parking areas.
Speaking at yesterday’s (Monday’s) Ballinrobe Electoral Area meeting, Senior Executive Planner, Mr John McMyler, recommended the development for refusal on the grounds that there was an excessive density on the proposed site and that it would affect the privacy of neighbouring residents.
Furthermore, the junction at the Bulkan river and the N84 was of a substandard nature and the traffic management and archaeological analysis conducted did not contain sufficient information.
Cllr Damien Ryan strongly rebuked the Council on their decision and said that such a development was vital for the economy of Ballinrobe. He continued by saying that the Council could not impose ‘blanket bans’ on all applications while the town awaited a new development plan.