Plan to build 70 houses and apartments in scenic Waterford seaside town denied

Irish Independent

20-06-2025

Fewer Harrington and Partners applied to the local authority on August 21, 2024, for the construction of Strandhill Phase 2 housing complex at Crobally Upper, Tramore, County Waterford.
The applicant sought permission to build 70 residences, consisting of 14 two-storey, four-bed, semi-detached houses, 28 two-storey, three-bed, semi-detached houses, four two-storey, three-bed, terraced houses, two three-storey, dormer four-bed detached houses and one four-storey, split level apartment block.
The apartment block was to house six two-bed duplexes and eight two-beds.
The proposed development would have also included internal roadways to connect to Strandhill Phase 1, currently under construction, a new pedestrian access, new boundary treatments, landscaping, drainage and all associated site works.
Submissions and observations were lodged by numerous local residents, expressing concerns about the development. One local resident expressed concerns about the 'biodiversity of the area and planet'.
'We are in a climate crisis and need all the plants, trees and shrubs to help with this. The original hedge on the racecourse road should never have been allowed to be taken out by the developers. We should be encouraging wildlife not destroying their habitats.
'I have issues with the possibility that the vast green open space bordering site B on the main Waterford road would be relinquished by Waterford City and County Council.
'This is a very attractive green space which adds to the character of the area, especially as it is visible to all who enter the town. It is a much needed green space and walking along this stretch gives the onlooker a sense of physical and mental wellbeing.
'If it was acquired by the developer… it would mean the removal of the beautiful 100mtr long griselinia hedge. This took years to mature and must not be removed.
'This green open space was the subject of a CPO by Waterford Council many years ago to assist with an infrastructure project. It would be an insult to the previous owners if this section was placed back in the hands of private ownership.
'It was acquired by the council for the benefit of the public and must remain so. I am unsure as to the regulations pertaining to CPOs but this would be a counterproductive move.'
'Tramore is growing rapidly with several ongoing housing developments and I understand the need for more housing, but developers must not be allowed interfere with public green spaces and hedges which are there for our wellbeing and the wellbeing of our natural habitat.'
Another resident said the positioning of a four-storey block of 22 apartments on the main R675 Waterford to Tramore road in such a visually prominent location 'will greatly detract from the character of the area.' The apartments would alter 'the landscape and streetscape of Crobally Upper'.
'A prominent urban edge is not what is required on the entrance to Tramore and these apartments, if approved, would set a worrying precedent for future high rise developments. Tramore has a uniqueness that must not be jeopardised. The main entrance to our lovely town is not suitable for high rise apartment blocks.'
They also raised concerns over health and safety issues, visual impact, fumes, overdevelopment, traffic, parking, and excessive noise levels, adding that 'the Creeslough incident in Donegal highlighted the dangers associated with apartment blocks positioned too close to a garage'.
The council refused permission on Tuesday, June 17, citing two reasons.
The council stated that it had regard for the location of the proposed development on a prominent site on the main road into Tramore town, the excessive level of cut and fill proposed at the site, in particular the levels of fill proposed, and the associated excessive differences in levels throughout the site.
'It is considered that, by reason of the design and layout of the proposed development and the poor relationship with the Waterford Road (R675), with insufficient contribution to the development of a new urban public realm, the proposed development would represent a substandard form of development creating a poor urban edge and streetscape which would also seriously detract from residential amenities in the area.'
Furthermore, the proposed development would be contrary to policy objectives of the Waterford City and County Development Plan, 2022-2028, which seek to ensure all developments are of a high quality design with a focus on 'placemaking, cognisant of their context and need for variety, distinctiveness, focus on public realm and design'.
Additionally, the planning authority was not satisfied that it had been demonstrated that it was technically feasible to the satisfaction of Uisce Éireann, as the water authority, to connect to the public water supply and the public foul sewer connections in the area.
'In the absence of the confirmation of feasibility with Uisce Eireann that connection to public water supply and foul sewer are feasible and acceptable, it is considered that the proposed development would be premature pending the confirmation of feasibility of connections to water supply and foul sewer to serve the proposed residential development.
'The proposed development would therefore be prejudicial to public health and contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,' concluded the council.