LENNONSTOWN OBJECTIONS

RESIDENTS of Lennonstown Manor have raised fears over further construction in their estate, nearly twenty years after it was completed.

The concerned residents recently wrote to all local councillors to highlight their ‘dismay’ at any plans by the owners, the Blackrock based M.W Developments Ltd to build on open space within Lennonstown.

The Argus understands that a planning application has been lodged for two new two storey houses in the last week.

Margaret Dignan-Moloney, on behalf of the residents association, wrote to public representatives saying that construction of new houses would ‘invariably lead to a loss of current green space and a significant amenity in terms of children playing within the estate.’ She said residents were particularly concerned about any development on green areas that they have maintained for more than a decade, adding that they had been told by Louth County Council that the upkeep of the estate was up to them.

‘Certainly if this proposed development goes ahead the residents will no longer take responsibility for the financial burden of maintaining the estate.’

She said residents were ‘extremely angry and frustrated’ adding that’ ‘some of the significant reasons we purchased our homes was on the basis of attractive green spaces, coupled with the assumption no further development would take place, and the estate would mature without disruption for ourselves and our children.’

Ms. Dignan-Moloney pointed out: ‘ Given this we are naturally extremely worried about the impact of this proposed development in terms of disruption to daily lives and school runs during any build phase. They also objected on the basis of ‘ consequent safety issues for our children, and proposed significant loss of green space and children’s playing area, and disruption caused to all by the inevitable increase in residential traffic into the estate, should this proposed development go ahead.’

‘We feel it is a disgrace a developer can propose development to a mature estate circa 20 years after the original development ceased and we want to make it clear the residents do and will object to this proposed development in the strongest possible terms and through all available mechanisms.

We also feel this proposed development has implications for other mature estates in the urban area and will be bringing it to the attention of a wider audience through our contacts with other residents associations and through local media.’

A spokesman for Louth County Council responded to resident’s concerns about the plans, saying:

‘ The Planning Permission issued in relation to the development would clearly indicate the locations for dedicated open spaces, which would be in accordance with the Development Plan for the area. The plan sets out the required public open space for housing developments in the area.’

The Argus received no response to queries from M.W Developments on the issue.