Westmeath County Council has approved planning applications for major large-scale housing development. The project consists of the construction of 332 residential units in Athlone. Included in the application is the provision of a two-storey creche building, a plaza to faciliate a neighbourhood centre, along with 413 parking spaces, 225 bike spaces, electric car charging points and a bicycle storage unit. The development is to be carried out by Kildare-based firm, Akiyda Ltd.
A number of objections rose from the local community, with concerns about the size of the development and its wider environmental impact. Westmeath County Council approved the plans subject to 21 conditions. The conditions include a requirement on Akiyda Ltd to complete the development within a five year timeframe, as well as a lodgement of €1.8m development bond before the works commence.
