A planning appeal has been lodged against permission for a major Westmeath housing development. 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. The permission granted by Westmeath County Council has been appealed to the higher planning authority over concerns of increased traffic, the effect a jump in population will have on local services and privacy issues. An Bord Pleanála will decide on the appeal in March of next year.
