This article is from page 12 of the 2007-08-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THE Ennis Tennis and Badminton Club has raised ‘major’ child pro- tection concerns in response to a planned apartment block overlook- ing the club grounds.
Last month, Cluid Housing Asso- ciation lodged plans for a five-storey apartment block on the grounds of Waterville House on Ennis’s Mill Road to construct 21 one-bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom apartments.
However, the proposal has prompt- ed stiff opposition from the Ennis Tennis and Badminton Club and lo- cal residents.
In its objection, the Ennis Tennis and Badminton Club raises ‘child protection’ concerns. It states, ““With a large junior membership, the club has rigorous child protection
schemes. Consequently, units with views overlooking children at play is of serious concern to all members.
‘The current proposal with viewing balconies virtually on or very close to the dividing boundary is of major concern for all members and visitors, be they male, female or junior, vis a vis privacy, security and child pro- tection.”
It goes on, “A more compatible one and a half storey development with velux windows to the northern boundary would be more sympathet- ic to the protected structure and its setting and would have less adverse impact on the use of our facilities.
“The proposed height of five sto- reys would block sunlight from courts. Loss of light and particularly sunlight would drastically reduce the enjoyment of the sporting amenity in terms of surface deterioration due to
dampness. Court 1 would become a dark court.”
The objection states, “The pro- posed development has inadequate public and private open space and is not compatible with the adjacent en- vironment.”
The objection is accompanied by 42 individual objections lodged by club members.
The general objection states, “We wish to emphasize that, whilst the members of the club recognise the need for orderly development, they feel that it is incumbent on the cur- rent members and committees to protect the security, privacy and safety of this most valuable, long- standing sports facility, which is the only tennis and badminton club in the expanding town of Ennis.”
A decision is due on the application later this year.