Fresh plans lodged for Laois housing project at site of former hardware shop
If given the green light the new plan will see the construction of 20 houses and six duplexes in Abbeyleix
A new planning application for a housing development at the site of a former hardware shop in Laois has been lodged with Laois County Council.
Planning permission is being sought for changes to a previous application for 26 units to be built at the site of the former Dunnes Hardware, New Row, Abbeyleix.
Cubic Housing Ltd were granted planning permission for the demolition of the furniture store and the construction of the residential units by Laois County Council, a decision which was then upheld by An Coimisiún Pleanála.
This new application is seeking changes to the previously permitted house types, housing mix and associated site layout, which the applicant says will “improve the overall quality” of the project.
If given the green light the new plan will see the construction of 20 houses and six duplexes. This will include six semi-detached / terraced two-storey 4-bedroom houses; one dual
fronted end-of-terrace two-storey 4-bed; two dormer 3-bed semi-detached dwellings; four dormer 3-bed semi-detached dwellings; one dormer 3-bed detached dwelling; six semi-detached 2-bed bungalows; and a two-storey duplex block comprising six 2-bed units.
The duplex block will have three units on the ground floor level and three units on the first floor level, with an associated detached single storey refuse store.
The proposed development also includes associated amendments to site layout, parking, boundary treatments, landscaped amenity space, local road and footpaths, site infrastructure, and all associated site development and ancillary works.
In the planning documents the applicant states: “The proposed amendments to the previously permitted development have been undertaken to improve the overall quality of residential amenity, refine the relationship between the proposed dwellings and the surrounding built context, and establish a more coherent architectural character across the site. In particular, a number of the previously permitted terraced units have been replaced with semi-detached dwellings. This revision provides a less intensive built form, improves the separation and outlook between dwellings, allows for enhanced levels of natural light, and creates more direct and convenient relationships between the dwellings and their associated private amenity spaces. The revised arrangement also reduces the perceived scale and massing of the development and provides a more varied and attractive streetscape.
“The amended house types adopt a contemporary architectural language through simplified detailing, carefully proportioned openings and a restrained palette of materials. Notwithstanding this contemporary approach, the dwellings addressing New Row retain Georgian-inspired proportions and detailing in recognition of the established character of the existing street and the wider architectural context of Abbeyleix. The proposed amendments therefore seek to balance an appropriate contextual response along New Row with a contemporary and high quality residential environment throughout the remainder of the development.”
Earlier this year Dunne's Hardware and Antique Furniture Shop announced it was closing its doors after serving the community for decades.
Liam and Fiona Dunne ran their Abbeyleix business for over 43 years. Since its opening, the business operated from the site of the old cinema in Abbeyleix.
Laois County Council is due to make a decision on the revised plans for the housing project by September 17.