Developers appeal decision to block large housing development in Tullamore

Developers who sought planning permission for a large housing development in Tullamore have lodged an appeal against Offaly County Council's decision to refuse permission for the project.

The council refused to grant permission to a company seeking to construct 25 residential dwellings at Charleville Road, Ballard, Tullamore.

The application by The McNamara’s Band Partnership headed up by local businessman Tom McNamara sought to demolish two existing bungalows and domestic garages to make way for the proposed scheme which consists of two, three, four and five bedroom bungalows and two storey houses. The development would have a new site entrance, roads, paving, pathways, cycle lanes, parking etc.

Offaly County Council refused permission saying the development would not comply with the Settlement Strategy for Offaly and would be 'a material contravention of the Offaly County Development Plan'.

The local authority also stated that the development is located on land zoned 'Strategic Residential Reserve' which means the land may be suitable for development at some time in the future but are not considered for development purposes during the current plan period.

That decision has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanala with the case due to be decided in July.