Serious concerns raised over proposed conversion of retail unit into apartments in Waterford

Waterford County Council are due to make a decision soon on the contentious proposed conversion of a retail unit into apartments on Main Street in Kilmacthomas.

Abbeyside Developments Ltd submitted the application in January of this year which proposes changing the use of the building to residential and then renovating it to provide five one-bedroom apartments. The application includes the renovation of the existing facade along with waste management in the area, the provision of a bicycle storage area and all other ancillary works. 

The application has received numerous objections citing a variety of concerns. The most common issue raised by those objecting the development is that it could further drain the town of its commercial industry. Many have said that there has been a large amount of residential developments in the area recently and subsequently a loss of availability for commercial premises. In turn, it is feared that this would have a negative impact on businesses in the area.

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Some have said that the overdevelopment of Kilmacthomas' residential capacity could lead to it becoming a 'satellite town' with not enough services for its growing population. An increasing lack of local employment opportunities has also been mentioned.

Meanwhile others have argued that the proposal does not include any evidence of providing additional car-parking facilities to accommodate the apartments, leading to even more pressure on the current parking situation in the area and local businesses. 

With so many significant concerns raised by locals, it will be interesting to see whether the Council approves the application on Thursday, 6 March.