A Kerry Development Agency whose application for a caravan park in Kilkee has been refused three times has now lodged plans to build 38 homes on the same site.
It comes just one week after Gold Star Homes 3 LTD’s bid to develop a caravan park on the same site was turned down for a third time by An Bord Pleanála.
The Caravan park itself was to consist of 45 individual serviced berths for both caravans and mobile homes , with a single story amenity block located on a 1.33 hectare site north of the Moonin Estate.
The development received a total of fourteen public objections, including submissions from Kilkee Fianna Fáil Councillor Cillian Murphy, Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch, Kilkee Tourism LTD and the Moonin Residents Association.
Clare County Council initially refused permission for the project last June on the grounds of disturbance to visual amenity, the potential for a traffic hazard and for the proposed site being located within an area zoned for low density residential use.
Just two months later, Gold Star Homes 3 LTD would then take the case to An Bord Pleanála on 14 grounds of appeal including what they described as “a recognised shortage of tourist accommodation in Kilkee”, the absence of a directive in the county development plan prohibiting caravan parks in Kilkee” and a commitment to “incorporate a permanent foul water system for the Moonin estate.”
In An Bórd Pleanála’s report, Inspector Adrian Ormsby upheld the decision of the local authority, giving the following reasons and considerations.
Mr Ormbsy stated ” he was not satisfied the proposed development would not endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard because sightlines, stopping sight distances and traffic turning manoeuvres had not been demonstrated into the proposed entrance. ”
Mr Ormbsy also noted that the proposed development would materially contravene the site specific zoning objective of the County Development Plan 2017-23 (as varied) which seeks the provision of housing for permanent occupancy.
However it appears Gold Star Homes 3 LTD has set it sights on new plans for the 1.33 hectare site in Dough, Kilkee after lodging plans for a major housing development comprised of 38 X2 storey dwellings.
The breakdown consists of 28 no 3-bed and 10 no. 2-bed houses made up of both Semi-detached and terraced dwellings.
The new development would also entail the provision of a new vehicular and pedestrian entrance to the south and the provision of a footpath to the northern side of the local road.
While the delivery of a public open space, a relocated and upgraded pumping station and car and bike facilities as well as adequate bin storage and all other ancillary works have been earmarked.
The application is currently at the pre-validation stage and the local authority is accepting public submissions until January 13th 2024.
