This article is from page 24 of the 2005-11-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
PLANS for a hostel and 39 homes for the north Clare coastal village of Fanore are encountering opposition from local residents.
In September, Tom Considine lodged plans for the 18-bedroom hostel and 39 homes on zoned land at Craggagh, Fanore. According to a statement with the plans lodged, the hostel “will be a major contribution to the tourism industry in Fanore as at present, it is not possible to stay overnight in Fanore, except for Bed and Breakfasts.”
Mr Considine also encloses a let- ter from auctioneer, John Vaughan, which states that property is in huge demand in Fanore and it is rare property of any kind to come on the market.
However, the proposal is en- countering opposition from local residents. In an objection lodged on behalf of Rita Dowling, it states that Ms Dowling has no objection in principle to development but has
serious concerns about the scale of the proposal, the negative impact on the laneway to the side of the devel- opment and the absence of public sewerage.
“The anticipated growth over the Development Plan period from 2005 to 2011 1s for an additional 10 units
for permanent residential units. The applicant proposes 39 houses within five years and argues that there is a demand for this scale of develop- ment for permanent occupation,” the statement continues.
‘The locals do not want more holi- day homes, nor would such homes
lead to any sustainability with re- spect to the proper planning and de- velopment of the area.”
A separate objection lodged on be- half of Margaret Leyden stated, “One has to remember that until about 15 years ago, Fanore was by and large an idyllic virgin landscape. However, since then development pressure has increased and is, at present, serious- ly threatening the very existence of this visual amenity, some in part by the Council in trying to reinvent the house in the vernacular, others not complying with their permissions.
“The housing scale as proposed is totally out of scale with any lo- cal vernacular. It must be pointed out that in the County Development Plan, this whole area is deemed to be a ‘vulnerable landscape’ on a scenic route. How does the proposal comply with these objectives. We would suggest that they are in direct conflict.”
A decision is due on the applica- tion later this month.