An Bord Pleanála chiefs uphold plans for multi-million euro Cavan apartment complex despite local residents' asbestos and flood risk concerns
The proposed five storey block on a two acre site at Friars Walk, Farnham Road, Cavan had been designed to incorporate 32 two bedroom apartments with the remaining 34 being divided between one and three bedroom equivalents.
In a planning statement, consultants on behalf of Radar Investments pointed to how Cavan's rising population growth and the development's centrality to its town core were key factors behind the plans.
'The proposal is to support this development of Cavan town as a self-sustaining growth town and deliver a residential scheme centred around sustainable movement, high quality public realms and improved pedestrian and cycling access to the town centre,' the statement read.
In addition to the development's projected capacity levels, designs for a communal and public open space including a formal play area were included.
Cavan County Council approved the plans subject to 39 conditions in a decision that later sparked a third party appeal being made to independent planning authority bosses.
The grounds of that appeal had encompassed over a dozen areas of concern, most notably those associated with how asbestos rubble would likely be disposed of as well as the 'serious issue' of Japanese knotweed affecting Brookfield House, a protected structure.
'Japanese Knotweed on site is serious issue for Brookvale (and) the presence of asbestos rubble on site is alarming,' an inspector's report outlined.
Issues connected to the design of the development and the 'high risk of flooding in the area' were other bones of contention referenced in the appeal.
However, in its ruling, An Bord Pleanála opted to uphold Cavan County Council's original decisions with 16 conditions attached.
Among those stipulations included requirements for Radar Investments bosses to submit a 'detailed' Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) before any building works take place.
An Bord Pleanála chiefs likewise inserted the requirement for a 'legally constituted management company' to be set up to manage and maintain the proposed development once development works have been completed.
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