Plans for a major housing development in Westmeath has been given the greenlight. Andrews Construction Ltd had sought the construction of 245 residential units and supporting infrastructure on the Dublin Road in Mullingar. The development spans almost 10 hectares and is planned for the Petitswood area outside the town. The homes would consist of 70, two-storey, four bed semi-detached houses, with attic accommodation, 132 three-bedroom, two-storey houses comprising terraced, semi-detached and detached units and a mix of two and three bed duplex units.
Also included in the plans is the construction of one four-story apartment block, designed to hold 35 units, with roof mounted solar panels. As part of the support infrastructure, Andrews Construction Ltd is seeking to build a two-storey creche, 442 car parking spaces and 550 secure bicycle spaces. During the course of the planning process, several public submissions were lodged against the development, highlighting concerns over increased traffic, the effect a jump in population will have on local services and privacy issues. In approving the plans, Westmeath County Council have attached 27 planning conditions. These include the provision of an insurance bond of over one million euro to insure completion of the development and a contribution fee of over €800,000.
