Planning appeal against Ardcavan housing estate

THE brakes have been placed on a planned new housing estate and commercial development in Ardcavan after a local resident and waste water expert lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála.

John Molloy of 5 Orchard Close has appealed against a recent decision by Wexford County Council to grant planning permission to the Wexford businessman and developer Michael Hayes for the construction of 59 houses and two new car showrooms in Ardcavan.

Mr. Molloy of Molloy Engineering which constructs waste water treatment plants and pumping stations for clients throughout Ireland, made a submission during the planning process, claiming the development would add extra run-off into the existing storm water system which already floods.

He also pointed out that the surrounding road infrastructure is inadequate. He said there is a lack of social infrastructure in the area and described the proposal as ‘ an inappropriate development that will split and undermine the town’.

County Council planners took his observations on board but granted full planning permission subject to conditions.

Senior planner Diarmuid Houston said small sections of the site were identified as being at risk of pluvial or rain-related flooding and an assessment was required with regard to possible additional reduction measures to alleviate surface water during extreme rainfall events.

During the application process, the Wexford District Area Engineer noted problems with drainage due to blockages of the drainage dykes and the development of a new garage which included improved stormwater dispersal from an area that collected water.

Overall, Mr. Houston said the proposed project was in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and would not seriously injure the local amenity.

He described it as a ‘master plan’ for the site which has been zoned for mixed commercial use since 2009.

However, it is only recently that the necessary development infrastructure has been put in place in the form of a County Council sewage scheme extension and major improvements to the Wexford to Castlebridge road.

Mr. Molloy’s appeal to An Bord Pleanála is due to be decided by December 6.