Housing development refused permission in Athy
Photo for illustrative purposes only
PLANS for a 32-unit residential development on Geraldine Road in Athy have been refused by Kildare County Council.
Applicant Sayvale Ltd had sought permission to construct 32 two-storey homes comprising six one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units.
The proposal also included a new vehicular and pedestrian access from Geraldine Road, the provision of a foul pumping station, and all associated ancillary site and landscaping works.
However, the local authority refused permission for three reasons, primarily relating to surface water drainage and compliance with the Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029.
In its first reason for refusal, the council stated that the proposed development did not adequately comply with policies requiring the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) in line with the EU Water Framework Directive and the River Basin Management Plan.
The application proposed surface water discharge via an underground attenuation system similar to one previously refused on the site.
The council noted that the applicant had failed to address the reasons for refusal of a previous application and found that reliance on underground attenuation via soakaway was contrary to development plan objectives. It concluded that the proposal would set an undesirable precedent and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Secondly, the planning authority raised concerns about the location of the proposed underground attenuation system within an area designated as public open space, which was not indicated to be Taken in Charge.
The Development Plan states that underground tanks and storage systems will not be accepted beneath public open space as part of SuDS.
Finally, the council said it was not satisfied with several aspects of the application, including details relating to site access, parking provision, road safety audits, landscaping, arboricultural assessment, compliance with Part V social housing requirements, Taking in Charge proposals, and connections to Irish Water infrastructure. As a result, permission was refused.
The applicant has a month from the decision date to appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
