Council REFUSES permission for 79 homes on Waterford site

Permission for the construction of almost eight dozen homes in Waterford has been refused by the County Council. 

The application - submitted by JJP Investments Limited in June 2022 - sought approval for the construction of 79 two-bed semi-detached, mid-terrace and end-terrace units at Knockboy, Dunmore Road. 

Permission was refused this week (June 19, 2023). 

If permission had been granted, the development would have comprised 35 houses and 44 apartments as well as a creche. 

The application also sought permission for vehicular/pedestrian/cyclist access and one additional pedestrian access point at Dunmore Road, including alterations to the public footpath and road, and all associated site works. 

Several local people, including Councillor Adam Wyse, submitted concerns regarding the development ranging from traffic and sight line issues, to the use of the strategic reserve. 

Reasons for refusal include the absence of a detailed agreement with an Approved Housing Body, State Agency/Body or the Housing Authority, to indicate a commitment to deliver social/affordable housing. 

The Planning Authority considers that the proposed development conflicts with the Zoning Matrix of Volume 2 Development Management Standards of Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 to 2028, which only allows for the "development of social and affordable housing by the Approved Housing Body, State Agency/Body or the Housing Authority on lands zoned Strategic Residential Reserve". 

The second reason was due to a lack of sufficient legal interest/necessary consents from the developer to enable the servicing of the proposed residential development with foul sewer infrastructure. 

Due to the absence of this, the Planning Authority considers the proposed development cannot be adequately serviced and therefore would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.