by Louise Doyle

RESIDENTS are preparing to lodge an appeal with An Bord Pleanála after planning permission was granted this week for a major apartments development in Letterkenny.

The green light has been given to applicant PJ McDermott for the construction of two residential buildings, consisting of six two-bedroom apartments in the first building and nine two-bedroom apartments in the second building at the junction of College Farm Road and Glencar Road.

Residents of College Farm Road had lodged a number of written submissions to Donegal County Council, detailing their concerns about the size and density of the development, and the dangers, they said, it posed with an increased traffic volume in a very residential area. These submissions, they said, have ‘fallen on deaf ears’.

A large gathering of residents attended a meeting in Station House Hotel in Letterkenny on Tuesday night in the wake of the development go-ahead.

The site at the junction of College Farm Road.

Speaking to the Donegal News afterwards, Christy Galligan, spokesperson for the area, said the residents have tangible fears for the safety of residents and thousands of schoolchildren and students who travel on the road.

“We’re very concerned about this development in College Farm Road. We are appealing it to An Bord Pleanála because local people are very annoyed that the council doesn’t seem to have taken our concerns in to consideration.

“We had outlined our objections around the size and density, and the dangers imposed by extra traffic on the road. We’re talking about a road that has six schools and colleges on it. Over 3,000 children travel on that road by vehicle or foot.”

Mr Galligan accused planners of ignoring residents’ concerns, and a lack of suitable infrastructure in the area, in favour of a mantra to ‘build, build, build’.

“Like Windyhall and other places, they are building these apartments on corners without thinking of pedestrian crossings and the infrastructure. The size and density of this development is really concerning.

“The Council have not taken into consideration our concerns at all. It seems the attitude of council and local government is to build, build, build as the cry for social housing increases. They are building where they can get a bit of green land and ignoring people who are living in the area.”

Earlier this year, Donegal County Council advised that the planning authority is “wholly supportive in principle” of higher density living within Letterkenny within walking distance of community facilities, amenities and the town centre.

However, the applicant was asked to submit an amended proposal that delivers a high standard of urban living, strengthens the sense of place, and contributes positively the existing streetscape and wider residential area.

Mr Galligan said the revised plans fall much too short.

“The revised plans have increased bicycle space and reduced car space. If there’s three people per apartment and 15 apartments, that’s 45 people and there are only 14 car parking spaces.

“Where will that overspill of vehicles go? They’re going to park in College Farm Road or Wolf Tone Place, causing more obstruction for the people who live there.

“This is an old residential area with primarily bungalows. The apartments are not in line with the houses built in this area.”

CONDITIONS

The planning permission is subject to 24 conditions.

These include that the construction of the development be managed in accordance with a Construction Management Plan to include the phasing of construction works, the laying of haul routes across the subject site, and proper locations for the disposal of site/construction waste materials.

Furthermore, any damage to the adjoining public road or public footpath during the development shall be reinstated and made good to the satisfaction of the Area Roads Engineer.

Prior to commencement of the development, an Owner Management Company shall be established by the developer, and membership of this company shall be compulsory for all persons owning property in the development.