Plans for new housing estate in Mayo are rejected

An Bord Pleanála has rejected a proposed 28-home development in Aughagower.

Mayo County Council previously refused planning permission for the project.

The proposed development was to consist of 28 detached homes made up two-bedroom, single-storey houses; three-bedroom two-storey houses and four-bedroom two-storey houses.

The inspector from An Bord Pleanála agreed with Mayo County Council and refused planning for the project on several grounds.

The board found it contravened the Mayo County Development Plan and ruled the development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

"As the majority of the houses proposed are situated on lands which are located outside the settlement boundary of Aughagower and are un-zoned in the Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028, it is considered that the proposed development would conflict with the Core and Settlement Strategy of the Mayo County Development Plan,” the Inspector added.

It was considered that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in traffic movements. 

It was also noted that the proposed site has archaeological potential. The Board said a full archaeological assessment would need to be carried out ahead of any proposed development in the area.