Green light for Tullamore housing development despite opposition

Offaly County Council has approved plans for a substantial new housing development on Clara Road, Tullamore,despite a wave of local opposition.

Tullamore Vita Stilo Limited, t/a Capital Homes is the company behind the scheme. Offaly County Council imposed 20 conditions when granting approval.

The project will see 78 new homes built, including a mix of three, four, and five-bedroom semi-detached, end-of-terrace, and mid-terrace houses. Also included in the scheme are four one-bedroom apartments at ground level and four more on the first floor.

The development will feature a new entrance off Clara Road, connecting internally to the nearby Knockowen estate. As part of the plan, new estate roads, footpaths, public green space, paving, and other infrastructure are also on the cards.

A large number of submissions were lodged with Offaly County Council expressing concerns. Residents of Knockowen Road were particularly vocal, calling the proposal ''unprecedented in the Tullamore area for a new housing development to encroach on a long-established cul-de-sac in such a manner.''

They argue the addition of 12 houses into their small section of the estate would increase the housing density in their area by 70%. On top of that, they say the construction phase alone would bring “significant disruption” to daily life.

Residents also raised alarm over the use of a green area in front of the 12 proposed houses a space they claim isn’t owned by the developer. ''It will also result in a devaluation of existing housing in this area,'' they contended.

Traffic is another issue. One submission flagged the development would bring a ''substantial increase'' in traffic volume, heightening safety concerns and impacting the area's character.

Design was another bone of contention. Locals criticised the proposed two-storey buildings as being out of step with their single-storey surroundings, leading to ''excessive overlooking'' and a loss of privacy. One submission said the plan was “out of scale and character” and would appear ''visually incongruous'' from neighbouring properties.

Adding a historical twist, one resident recalled that back in 1984, when they received permission to build in the same area, the council mandated bungalows only. Now, they say, not only is that principle being ignored, but a mature hedgerow, which has grown over decades, will be torn out.

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Concerns about green spaces echoed throughout the submissions. While the nearby Redwood Estate has green areas, locals say they’re too small for children to play football. Now, with this new development providing access to Knockowen Road’s green, residents fear it will draw children from the wider area sparking worries about ''possible anti-social behaviour.''