This article is from page 35 of the 2007-03-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
ENNIS’S creaking infrastructure has resulted in the local council refusing planning permission for a €20 mil- lion residential development on land zoned for development.
Last month, Ennis Town Council refused planning permission to Joe McNamara to construct 52 homes and 28 apartments at the Golf Links Road, Ennis, citing the inadequate local sewage infrastructure to cater for the development.
Now, Mr McNamara has appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala. In the appeal, Mr McNamara said, “The council has specifically zoned these lands for residential uses and do have any in principle objection to the proposed land use, density, mix of uses or site layout.
“We believe, therefore, that it is the antithesis of proper planning and development where the developers are endeavouring to secure the im- plementation of the council’s own development plan objectives, but si- multaneously are being stymied on infrastructural issues.
“In this instance, it is particularly unreasonable as there is an entirely
reasonable resolution to their con- cerns. Furthermore, the council’s reference to the prematurity of the proposed foul water strategy is dis- ingenuous, given that the proposal complements the objectives of the Ennis Main Drainage preliminary report.
In the appeal, Mr McNamara’s con- sultant states, “It is our submission that we have provided a comprehen- sive solution to foul water manage- ment in accordance with recognised standards and in accordance with the Ennis Main Drainage Preliminary report, we believe that therefore that the council’s refusal in unjustified.”
The County and Town Develop- ment Plan state that it is the council’s policy to encourage housing develop- ment in designated towns and villag- es where infrastructural and social services exist or are planned.
“The plans aim to consolidate the form of the settlement and stem the excessive spread of ribbon develop- ment.
‘The subject site represents a natu- ral location for the expansion of the town in a sustainable manner.”
A decision is due on the appeal later this year.