Forty-six new homes for Ballyconnell

Galetech Sustainable Living Ltd has been granted planning permission for the construction of 46 new homes near the centre of Ballyconnell town.

The Cavan-based company plans to develop a mix of housing types on lands at Preaching House Lane and Main Street, Doon.

The proposed development includes 24 “own-door” apartments within four two-storey blocks, 15 two-storey houses (mix of three and four bed) and seven two-bed bungalows.

The plans also provide for the construction of access roads from the main road, footpaths, boundary treatments, parking areas, drainage infrastructure, landscaping, and all ancillary site works necessary to facilitate the development.

Monaghan-based firm Craftstudio Architecture prepared a design statement on behalf of Galetech Sustainable Living, noting that there is a consistently high demand for housing in Ballyconnell and the wider Cavan area.

The statement described the 1.6-hectare site as being primarily greenfield land, though it does contain three small, single-storey derelict outbuildings that are now overgrown.

A total of four third-party submissions or observations were received in relation to the application.

The main concerns raised relate to potential negative impacts on quality of life, traffic and road safety issues, and the adequacy of the existing road and footpath infrastructure to service the development.

Other issues included parking limitations in the area, the scale and character of the proposed development, environmental concerns such as pollution, noise, loss of privacy and natural light, as well as fears of increased anti-social behaviour.

Additional concerns were raised regarding surface water drainage, boundary treatments, and potential conflicts with the adjoining Kildallan GAA grounds, particularly in relation to noise and light pollution complaints from future residents.

Having considered the application and submissions received, the council granted permission for the development, subject to 32 conditions.