This article is from page 2 of the 2008-04-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
A GROUP of around 35 residents from the Gaurus area of Ennis have raised concerns over plans for a €200 million village on the eastern outskirts of the town.
Last month, Ennis-based construc- tion firm, Crystal Partners lodged plans for the largest ever housing development in Clare seeking plan- ning for 471 residential units in the first phase of a masterplan that would ultimately deliver 700 new homes.
When fully occupied, the first phase of the housing development would almost double the current population of the Doora parish of around 1,500.
The site covers a 95-acre landbank and along with the 471 residential units, the planning application also provides for a creche, neighbour- hood centre with shopping facilities and 14 residential serviced sites. The masterplan also provides for a 16-teacher school and an associated playing field.
However, an objection lodged on behalf of residents of Gaurus/Bal- laghboy/Knockanean highlights se- rious concerns over several aspects of the proposed development which, they claim, is “flawed in its concep- tion and design given the serious dis- regard for proper, evolved, integrated site development and the safety of lo-
cal residents and road users.
“Although, we are not opposed to the development of this property, we ey iTS (6les mm MED. @OKes OCCA VBE ONL OLO)Me-DOLMmOeT:II the size and nature of the scheme be appropriate and that the infrastruc- ture to support current and future populations be put in place”.
On the need for an additional pri- mary school in the area, the residents maintain that the council must ensure a commitment to a further school pri- or to granting planning permission in order to cope with increased demand and ensure that adequate education facilities are available for the grow- ing community.
The residents point out that there
is currently only one primary school in the area, Knockanean National School, which is already overcrowd- ed due to the increased population.
“The density of housing proposed for this development is inappropri- ate to an edge of town location where sufficient building has taken place in the last few years to accommodate for sustainable growth.
A high density development in this area would lead to the destruction of the residential amenities currently enjoyed by home owners as well as future home owners in the area”.
A decision is expected on the appli- cation next month, though with the scale of the development.