Controversial Cavan housing estate plans revised
Plans for 26 new homes overlooking Killymooney Lough in Cavan Town have been revised and the number of proposed houses reduced.
Galetech Sustainable Living lodged the controversial plans with Cavan County Council last August but there was substantial opposition from some in the local community.
The development also drew criticism as it was planned for a site earmarked for rezoning under the incoming County Development Plan. The company had hoped to build 26 homes, in a mix of dormer style, semi-detached dwellings with a basement and two-storey, semi-detached houses. However, Cavan County Council had requested further information on the plans and had paused its adjudication on the development. Among the issues requiring addressing, the Council requested a visual impact assessment to look at what impact the estate would have on the surrounding areas. Concerns were also raised about the lack of public and private spaces in the development, with Galetech Sustainable Living urged to submit updated plans.
Wildlife surveys has been requested to assess the impact on bats, badgers, red squirrels and other protected species, which may be living in the area or in the derelict building on the site, earmarked for demolition. The further information was submitted to planners by Galetech Sustainable Living in recent days. Included was a redrawing of the plans to improve road safety within the estate. Two houses have also been removed from the development, bringing the total number of planned homes to 24. A decision on the plans is now expected by late-May. The plans caused controversy when first announced and were described as “making a mockery of councillors” by a local resident, due to planned changes to the County Development Plan.
The site is currently zoned for residential development but this will change to 'Amenity and Open Space' under the draft County Development Plan 2022-2028, meaning development cannot take place.
Councillors approved the plan at a meeting held in February, with a new round of public consultations to be held.
Galetech Sustainable Living said in September it’s “committed to playing its part in delivering the homes, which Cavan urgently needs” and the lands are “designated as the highest priority for residential development within the CDP”.