This article is from page 15 of the 2007-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
AN ENNIS couple, who received over €100,000 from a developer in 2004 after withdrawing their objec- tion to a €20 million housing devel- Opment, are now seeking to block a proposal for a retail development on Francis Street in the town.
Vincent and Ann Coffey of Clon Road, Ennis recently lodged the ob- jection against a plan by Galvin Con- struction Ltd to build a retail outlet at Francis Street, adjacent to their own
property.
Three years ago the Coffeys with- drew their objection against a multi- million euro housing scheme at the Quin Road, Doora by Luxury Homes (Galway) Ltd after the company paid them £85,000 (€107,930) and gave them two free sites.
A letter to the board from the Cof- feys stated that at no time did they approach the developers with the in- tention of securing payment of mon- ey, gifts, or consideration of other inducement by any person.
An Bord Pleanala upheld the Cof- feys’ concerns in relation to the Francis Street proposal last year by refusing planning permission to the development. But Galvin Construc- tion has now re-applied to do work at the site.
In their new objection, the Coffeys stated that they “are not opposed to the development of the site provided it’s carried out in an orderly manner and in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable develop- ment of the area”.
They added, “The current planning application involves the development of part of one of the most important sites in Ennis town centre situated at the junction of Francis Street and Clon Road and whilst the site is va- cant, it is deemed suitable for a mix of uses.”
They also said that their property would be devalued by overshadow- ing and loss of amenity and privacy.
The objection emphasised that pro- posals should be of high quality to “protect the amenity of the surround-
ing areas” and “respect the character of the town centre’, according to the local development plan.
In their submission, Galvin Con- struction stated that it had overcome the reason for refusal issued by An Bord Pleanala and the development was now in compliance “in ac- cordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area’.
The council has requested further information on the plan and a final decision 1s expected later this year.