UPDATE: Planning objection against Midlands Hospice withdrawn as appellant issues statement

An appeal which was lodged against the decision by Offaly County Council to grant planning permission for the long-awaited Midlands Hospice at Arden Lane in Tullamore has been withdrawn. 

The objection was initially submitted by the appellant Tom Martin to the secretary of An Coimisiún Pleanála on Monday, January 19. 

The nature of his appeal against the granting of planning permission was based on grounds of prematurity, procedural defect, fragmentation of development, inadequate infrastructure, invalid public notice and failure of proper planning and sustainable development. 

In an update issued on Friday, January 23, Mr Martin released a statement confirming that he is no longer pursuing his appeal against the development of the Midlands palliative care unit.

The statement read: "I, Tom Martin, as a long-standing trustee of Tullamore Pitch and Putt Club and a lifelong supporter of community services in Offaly, want to be clear that I fully support the development of a regional hospice for the Midlands. This is a much-needed facility for families across the region.

However, I have consistently raised concerns about the current proposal at Arden Lane, Tullamore, particularly its access arrangements and the lack of consultation with neighbouring landowners and local amenities."

READ MORE: Appeal lodged to overturn planning permission for long-awaited Midlands Hospice in Offaly

He continued: "My sole motivation has been to ensure that this project is delivered safely, sustainably and in a way that protects existing public amenities, including the pitch and putt club, which has served generations of local people.

It is regrettable that these planning matters have not been resolved. I believe the public deserves clarity, transparency and good planning from the outset."

Mr Martin concluded his statement by saying: "In the best interests of everyone involved, I have withdrawn my appeal to An Bord Pleanála/An Coimisiún Pleanála with immediate effect, in the hope that all parties involved proceed on the right footing with proper infrastructure, safe access, and community support."

The plans for the building of the highly anticipated Midlands Hospice at Arden Lane in Tullamore are now expected to recommence following the withdrawal of the appeal.