PLANS for new student accommodation in Letterkenny that were previously given the go-ahead by Donegal County Council have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
The appeal has been lodged by David, Anne and Jean Stevenson, Ballyraine, who have raised numerous concerns about the application by Laura Black to build an extension to an existing property at Oakland Park to accommodate students.
The initial plans sought permission for ten ensuite bedrooms but the local authority raised concerns about the scale of the development on such a constrained site.
It was then agreed to reduce the extension from ten to five bedrooms (not including the existing property) to address these concerns. The Council planner was of the opinion that there is “sufficient garden space to accommodate a development of this form and scale in what is an urban centre location”.
Planning permission was granted with ten conditions attached.
In their appeal, David, Anne and Jean Stevenson said their concerns have not changed and they remain “deeply concerned” about potential antisocial behaviour.
“This large extension could create a meeting place for large gatherings. The narrow alleyway between the existing house and the proposed extension is also unsafe,” they said.
On this point the Council had said it is “inappropriate to link antisocial behaviour with one sector of the community”.
“The revised plan shows an increase in the bedroom capacity of the existing house. The change of the internal design has created two extra bedrooms,” the objectors argued.
“This would now provide accommodation for eleven people in the existing house instead of seven as on the first plan. This is adequate extra accommodation. An extension is absolutely unnecessary.”
Concerns were also raised about the use of black metal corrugated cladding as the appellants said this would resemble a commercial building which is not in keeping with this residential area.
They felt car parking remains an issue but the local authority said given the development’s close proximity to the Atlantic Technological University the students could rely on walking and cycling.
In their appeal they also argued that the existing house is situated in Gortlee and not in Oakland Park.
The Council had previously determined that there was no issue with the postal address given.
An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision on the case by December 6.
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