Westport housing development biggest since recession

Permission granted for biggest housing development since recession


Áine Ryan

PLANNING permission has been granted for the largest housing development in the county since the onset of the recession, The Mayo News can reveal.
The major development of 61 houses is to be built on the outskirts of Westport, at Monamore,  Lodge Road, by GAPP Partnership of Castlebar Road, Westport. Gapp Partnership is run by local businessmen, Austin O’Malley and Gus Gibbons.
Subject to 36 conditions, planning permission was granted on March 12 last by Mayo County Council for the development of three and four-bedroomed semi-detached, detached and terraced houses.
The original application was for 78 houses on the 4.62 hectare site. The determination allows for soft and hard landscaping, a multi-use games area and access road and footpaths.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday, one of the developers, Mr Austin O’Malley said:
“We are delighted that the planning permission has been granted. It is very positive news.” However, Mr O’Malley declined to comment further until he and his partner study the terms of the permission.
The conditions imposed by the council include a cash deposit of €244,000 as security for the satisfactory completion of roads, footpaths, water mains, public lighting, open spaces and other services.
A total contribution of €383,263 must also be paid in accordance with the development contribution scheme for water, sewerage, surface water, amenities, roads, footpaths, community and recreational facilities and the housing estate takeover.
Furthermore, the developers must pay €292,800 towards the Westport Main Drainage Scheme and €112,050 towards related roadworks at the junction with the N5 and along the Lodge Road.