By Chris Ashmore
PLANS to build what could be Donegal’s largest ever housing development could be delayed by a number of months – at least.
Planning officials have flagged concerns about possible flooding risks associated with the site area just to the north of Letterkenny University Hospital, plus how the development will tie in with a major new road project as well.
A decision was due earlier this week on whether to grant or refuse planning permission for the development of the large-scale residential neighbourhood, to be delivered over a 10-year period in the Windyhall area of the town.
However, Donegal County Council has now requested that the applicant, Windyhall Developments Limited, provides further information in relation to the proposals to build 346 homes in a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses together with duplex apartments.
Industry sources suggest that the cost of the development will be in excess of €120 million.
The local authority has issued a 10-page letter seeking additional information, largely in relation to a stream, flood risk concerns, and environmental, ecological and construction related matters associated with the building of the planned new upgraded and realigned Windyhall Road between Knocknamona and Killyclug. The new road will be known as the Letterkenny Northern Network Project (LNNP).
One of the main issues raised by the council is a query regarding the Windyhall stream which flows through the land and to ensure there are no blockages or flooding risks arising from any realignment or installation of culverts.
In particular, correspondence from the council highlights the fact that Letterkenny University Hospital is downstream from the site earmarked for residential development.
The site was the subject of significant flooding associated with the stream and culvert blockages in the past.
Bearing this in mind, the developer has been specifically asked that “the proposed development and associated alterations to the watercourses will not cause or exacerbate flood risk at the hospital or elsewhere downstream.”
Back in July 2013, major flooding at the hospital caused havoc and damage that was estimated at over €30 million.
What is known as a “Chief Executive’s Order” is being issued to the applicant, outlining what additional information is now required before the application can be decided on.
This includes a request that the applicant, whose address is listed as Genesis Planning Consultants, in Armagh, must submit a revised Flood Risk Assessment.
Further information is also being sought about “substantial exposed retaining walls” in some of the rear gardens of proposed housing units, plus revised drawings and details for a signalised junction approach, parking bays, and cycle infrastructure.
According to documentation seen by the Donegal News, construction work – subject to no planning delays – was earmarked to begin in the second quarter of next year.
However, the council has pointed out that the works on the LNNP (road) is not scheduled to start until “later in 2027” and “how temporary routes and permanent works are to be constructed is unclear” as is how it “will impact on the LNNP Contract which is yet to be awarded.”
The applicants have been given two months to comply with the order for further information, and have been advised that failure to do so will mean that the application “will be deemed to have been withdrawn”.
The proposed development – which borders Ard Ban and Manor View Park to the west and Clachan Mór and Errigal College to the east – also includes a creche as part of a local neighbourhood centre, and it is also envisaged that there will be communal open spaces, green areas, play areas, electric charging points and bicycle storage areas.