Council chief pours cold water on Dowdallshill housing plan
No change has been recommended to the zoning of land west of Dowdallshill GFC.
A submission was receiv ed on behalf of McParland Brothers (IRE) Ltd requesting the rezoning of 20 hectares from Strategic Reserve (L1) to New Residential (A2).
The submission sated 2.5ha of the land in question was to be given to Dowdallshill GFC.
‘A future link road which is an objective of the Draft Louth CDP 2015-2021 will form the northern boundary of the site beyond which there is a live permission for a business park. Rezoning of submission lands to residential will improve the financial viability of the link road.’
It continued that neither the Draft Louth CDP 2021-2027, housing strategy nor any supporting documentation referenced businesses wishing to set up in Dundalk as a result of Brexit and the subsequent increase in demand for housing.
‘ This re-zoning would create an opportunity for the western expansion of Dowdallshill GAA. There is considerable community gain in this element of the proposal.’
The Chief Executive responded: ‘ The subject lands are identified as ‘Residential 2’ in the 2009-2015 Dundalk Plan and are in Phase 3 of the Phasing Strategy for the town, meaning they are a lower priority for development.
‘ There is a legacy of excess residential zoning in Dundalk. National and Regional policy now requires an evidence-based approach to be taken to land use zoning and the alignment of residential zoning with the projected demand for housing.’
The CEO added the subject lands were on the northern edge of Dundalk.
‘ There are other, more suitable lands available for residential development closer to the town centre which follow the principles of sequential development.
‘ The zoning of these lands for residential development would result in a dispersed pattern of development which would be contrary to national and regional policy which requires the creation of more compact settlements.’
The proposal to allocate 2.5ha for the expansion of Dowdallshill GAA club was noted.
‘However, the fact remains that there are other overriding planning principles that must be considered in evaluating the requirement and appropriateness of zoning these lands for residential development at this time.’
On the submission relating to Brexit, Ms Martin said ‘ The Draft County Development Plan has considered the implications of Brexit.
‘ There is a strong narrative and supporting policy objectives with regard to dealing with the potential challenges (and opportunities) around the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
‘ The submission fails to include any evidence base to support the statement that Brexit will result in an under-provision of housing in the area.’
In conclusion, she remarked, ‘ The subject lands are located on the periphery of Dundalk and would result in the creation of a dispersed pattern of development. It is therefore recommended that no change is made to this land use zoning.’