Plans in Clare village for nearly 40 homes refused over environmental concerns
The site is located on the southern fringe of Sixmilebridge between the R471 (Shannon Road) and Rossmanagher Road. The southern boundary of the site abuts the Limerick to Ennis railway line and the northern boundary abuts a residential development known as Ashview.
The development involved the construction of 38 semi-detached houses on lands previously granted planning permission comprising of 20 three-bedroom homes and 18 four-bedroom homes.
However, in a decision made by the council in the last week, the plans have been refused for three main reasons.
According to the documents on the decision, the proposed development 'does not meet the criteria or exceptions as set out in the current Clare County Development Plan for the subject zoned lands and therefore the proposal would be premature by reference to the order of priority for development indicated in the Development Plan'.
The decision added that the proposed development would also materially contravene the zoning objective of the site for the zoning of land as 'Strategic Reserve' and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
The decision added: 'Having regard to the nature and scale of the development, and in the absence of a Screening for Appropriate Assessment, it is not possible for the Planning Authority to conclude a finding of no significant effects on nearby European sites.
'It is therefore considered that the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.'
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The council's decision also cited the possible impact on the biodiversity of the area: 'Having regard to the lack of details submitted in terms of the potential for the proposed development to impact on ecology at this location and having particular regard to the identified wetland area and badger activity (amongst other issues) at the site, it is considered that the development would have a negative impact on ecological features on and adjoining the site.
'It is therefore considered that the proposed development would materially contravene the provisions of CDP 15.8 of the County Development Plan 2023-2029 and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.'
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