Planning board rejects appeal to halt housing project in Erris

An Bord Pleanála has rejected an appeal that sought to halt the construction of three houses in Belmullet.

The appeal pertained to a site of 0.1765 hectares located at the Acha Mara estate on the Shore Road in Belmullet. The site is to the southwest of the town within an existing housing development, which overlooks the shore and is accessed from a public road running from the pier along the shoreline.

The southern site boundary of the appeal site is defined by the entrance roadway to the Acha Mara Estate. To the east a wall and adjacent green space beyond which the estate roadway is fronted by a row of semi-detached dwellings. A detached two-storey dwelling site (owned by the appellants) adjoins the appeal site to the north.

The proposal involves the development of three detached houses and all associated site development works and services. Mayo County Council granted permission for the homes in Mayo last year subject to 13 conditions.

The appellants raised concerns relating to site levels and inconsistent ridge heights. Privacy issues and potential flood risk concerns were also raised. They also contended that the proposal would require approximately two metres of infill to achieve the stated finished floor levels which would result in disparity with boundary walls of the appellant’s property.

However, An Bord Pleanála inspectors stated that the development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity, would not be prejudicial to public health and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety.

“Taking account of the nature, scale, and location of the development within a zoned and serviced urban area and having regard to the Natura Impact Statement and Construction Environment Management Plan, the proposed development by itself or in combination with other plans or projects would not adversely affect the integrity of the Mullet/Blacksod Bay Complex SAC or the Blacksod Bay/Broadhaven SAC or any other European site in view of the sites’ conservation objectives,” An Bord Pleanála stated in its judgment on the matter.