Big new Laois housing estate planed for Portlaoise blocked

Planning permission granted by Laois County Council for a new housing estate in Portlaoise has fallen foul of An Bord Pleanála which has overturned the council's approval.

Ireland's planning appeals board has issued its decision on plans for the new estate in the Kilminchy area  nearly a year-and-half after Laois County Council gave the green light in May 2022.

Refusal was also decided despite the board's inspector recommending the the project should proceed.

Garryduff Properties Limited wanted to build of an 85 unit residential development consisting of 66 number two-storey semi-detached three-bedroom houses, six number two-storey end-of-terrace three-bedroom houses, three number two- storey mid-terrace three-bedroom houses, 10 number two-storey detached three bedroom houses.

The subject lands formed part of a partially commenced previously granted permission through an application made in 2008. which was extended in 2014 and 2019.

The proposed development would have access via the Holdbrook Scheme to the south onto Lime Tree Avenue, an additional access to the west onto Lime Tree Avenue and a connection into the 43-unit scheme being built construction to the north, accessing onto Lime Tree Avenue also.

The proposed development also included estate roads, footpaths, public open space, foul and surface water drainage, landscaping and all associated infrastructure works and services, all on 2.761 hectare site.

Kilminchy resident John Cowhig appealed the Councils decision in 2022. An Board Pleanála reached its final decision on November 6, 2023.

It decided to refuse permission on the basis of a policy objective in the Laois County Development Plan 2021- 2027. It states that 35% of any residential developments (10 units or more) provides for single and two-person households.

As a result, the appeals board found the following.

"It is considered that the proposed development which proposes 11% of the 85 units are suitable for single and two person households does not comply with this development plan objective. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

"In deciding not to accept the Inspector's recommendation to grant permission, the Board considered the proposed housing mix of 11% of the 85 units for single and two-person households was contrary to development plan policy and contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," it concluded.

Significant development is underway in Portlaoise at present on sites that had not been proceeded with due to the property crash. This is the first big development in recent times to have failed on appeal to An Bord Pleanála.