by Louise Doyle
PLANNING permission for the construction of an apartment building refused the green light by Donegal County Council has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
Applicant George Doherty Construction (IRL) Ltd., lodged plans in December 2024 to provide 12 one-bedroom apartments and 13-two-bedroom apartments at Rann Mor, Creeve (Smith) in Letterkenny.
The proposed plans also comprised 36 car parking spaces, internal circulation routes, ancillary and communal rooms, a new wastewater and surface water connection to existing systems, and all associated site works including extension of existing public footpath network.
A number of objections to the proposed development were lodged by Crievesmith residents.
One such objection was submitted by Gary and Grainne England on a number of grounds. They cited that planning permission for a smaller development in 2008 was refused on the basis it was “excessive in terms of density for a sub-urban location”.
“The proposed development would be more suited to town-centre development where amenities and facilities are within walking distance,” their objection states.
They also outlined their concerns for child safety.
“The planning application does not appear to include any provisions for child safety measures such as safe play areas, traffic-free zones or child-orientated facilities. Given the number of families in the area, the lack of consideration for safe spaces for children is concerning.”
Gary and Grainne England’s objection states they do not consider that the proposed development will address the housing crisis in Letterkenny.
“Shared living accommodation will not meet the housing needs for families in the area or respond to the housing crisis in the area.”
They also stress that the proposed development will result in a loss of privacy, as the apartments will have balconies which will look onto existing homes and gardens, negatively impacting existing residents.
Their objection also raises concerns for increased traffic, particularly at the Old Town Bridge, an increased noise level during construction and an heightened risk of accidents for children walking to school.
In early February planners refused to give the proposed development the go-ahead, citing that “development of this particular site particularly the scale of the development proposed, is premature. To permit the proposed development based on the information submitted would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.
The Council’s refusal also highlighted how the subject site is on steeply, sloping lands, “and is considered that if permitted would constitute the disorderly over development of the constrained plot in a manner which would by itself, and by undesirable and unsustainable precedent, be contrary to the proper planning and orderly development of the area by reason of injury to the privacy, amenity and value of adjoining properties”.
An Bord Pleanála is due to make its decision on July 9, 2025.
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