Developer planning over 200 new homes in Portlaoise

A decision is about to be taken by Laois County Councillors that may see the approval of over 200 new homes in a Portlaoise bundle of schemes by the same developer.

Laois property developers Bircrest Ltd is awaiting approval from planners for three applications totalling 202 homes, phases 2, 3 and 4 of the Sand Wood estate in Summerhill, near most of Portlaoise's primary schools.

The first is for 86 four bedroom houses, both one and two storey, and six 2 bedroom sheltered housing units, at Summerhill. It is Phase 2 of the Sand Wood estate with 112 homes already built.

The second is for a creche and 74 housing units in Summerhill, as Phase 3 of the Sand Wood development.

Bircrest's third plan is for 36 four bedroom two storey houses, again in Summerhill and Phase 4 of Sand Wood.

However ahead of a planning decision, councillors are to consider a "Proposed material contravention of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027 to allow for the developments, at their December meeting on Monday, December 15.

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They must decide whether to rezone the lands so that planners can decide on the housing applications.