Issues around parking, privacy, as well as the density and height of a proposed major housing development in Athlone have been expressed at a special meeting this afternoon.
An application was lodged in January to An Bord Pleanala to develop 122 residential units as well as a major student accommodation complex of 283 units at Cartrontroy, Kilnafaddoge, Ardnaglug and Lissywollen townlands.
The plan is being progressed through the Strategic Housing Development scheme, and as part of that process, Athlone Councillors were asked to give their thoughts on the project at a meeting this afternoon before the Council executive submits them officially to the planning body.
The meeting heard of two issues that could see the proposal possibly contravene the county’s development plan at present- seven-storey high buildings and the population density in the area.
However, under national guidelines, this would be allowed.
Other concerns raised included the height of buildings impacting on the privacy of nearby residents and the nearby greenway and local vegetation, as well as the availability of parking for residents.
The meeting also heard frustration at the SHD process, with one Councillor describing it as like ‘playing handball against a haystack’.
The meeting regard that Councillors understood the need for housing developments in Athlone, but the location of the high rise buildings were a concern and that the project might be better 'flipped' to put those apartment blocks towards a road, rather than residential development they may end up facing.
The deadline for submissions on the plan is early next week, before a decision is expected from An Bord Pleanala by mid-May.
