Frustration over planning process for Monasterevin social homes
An architect's image of the proposed hosuing project at St Evin's Park, Monasterevin
FRUSTRATION with the Part VIII planning process was expressed by councillors at the July meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, relating to a proposed development of social housing at St Evin's Park.
It followed a discussion around the chief executive's report on the project, which consists of 15 new dwellings backing onto the railway line in an existing estate built in the 1960s.
The proposal was for a 2-storey line of apartments, fronting onto the existing estate green space. The design would involve changes to the green space which would lose an existing playing field.
Cllr Kevin Duffy said that putting apartments in this kind of estate is questionable and suggested that the project is “not designed for right-sizing”.
He suggested changing the dwellings at either end to accessible housing.
He also wanted amendments which would change the access road to the space for safety reasons, and have the green space realigned so that the playing field could be retained.
His frustration with the Part VIII process was that making such amendments can mean having to bring the whole project back to another public consultation.
"The process shouldn't preclude us making changes," he said. "But if we have to, the important thing is that we get it right." He also acknowledged the hard work of the council in the preparation of the project.
On a query about why bungalows weren't considered for the project, in keeping with the rest of the estate, he was told that they had been considered, but that they didn't work.
Cllr Rob Power agreed on the issue with Part VII, saying that if councillors can't make changes at this point, it's something that they will have to take on board for such process in future. Cllr Suzanne Doyle asked “why not go back” to another public consultation?
"It's a small amount of extra time, and it will give meaningful regard to public engagement."
The meeting accepted the report, subject to the implementation of cllr Duffy's three amendments.
