Offaly residents appeal planning granted for 148 new houses over 'traffic' concerns

Residents living in Davitt Street in Tullamore have lodged an appeal against a decision made by Offaly County Council in October to grant planning approval for a 148 residential units and creche in Tullamore.

John Flanagan Developments Ltd are seeking to construct 90 houses, 20 apartments and 38 age friendly assisted living units at Tyrell's Road, Ardan/Puttaghan, in Tullamore.

Company Joint Managing Director, Dominic Doheny said that the housing development would tie in with the new hospital planned for the same Wellwood 20 acre site just off the N52 bypass which was given planning approval in February of this year.

Prior to the granting of planning permission, residents living along Davitt Street submitted an objection to the council. They said the development had the potential to add 243 more cars to the traffic network of the Callary Street/Davitt Street area. ''This area is heavily urbanised with a high level of car ownership and on street parking. The proposed development creates an unfavourable scenario of increased vehicular traffic for existing residents along a route which is already narrow and unsuited to additional traffic loading, '' their submission read.

Davitt Street residents contend that the vehicular entrance at Tyrells Road will create a natural traffic flow onto Davitt Street via Callary Street for vehicles wishing to access Ardan Road and the Midlands Regional Hospital

The residents said they believe that the greenway development proposed for Convent View will not change the nature of the Kilbeggan bridge junction which they described as complex with poor visibility. They have now brought their appeal to An Bord Pleanala. A person called Oliver Hughes has also appealed the decision.

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Offaly County Council attached 26 conditions when granting permission.

The proposed houses will be made up of one and two storey dwellings with a mix of two, three and four bedrooms. The apartments are over two blocks with one and two bedroom units and 38 age friendly assisted living units. There will also be associated communal and administrative facilities.