Planning sought for Coolcotts housing project
A housing development comprising 71 homes could be on the way to Coolcotts.
CFO Construction Ltd has applied to Wexford County Council for planning permission to build 71 homes at Coolcotts.
The development will consist of 38 two storey four-bed semi-detached homes; 20 two storey three-bed semi-detached homes; ten two storey three-bed terraced homes; two two-storey four-bed detached homes and a one three-bed single storey detached home. Seven of the homes are expected to be for social houses as part of the developer’s Part V obligation.
There will also be improvement works to the public roads, hard and soft landscaping, connection to the public services and all associated works.
In the application Michael Molloy of Molloy Architecture and Design Studio on behalf of CFO Construction Ltd said that the majority of the lands are zoned as residential medium. He said the site previously has been granted permission for around 150 homes but ‘the application is a vastly experienced development throughout the country and has made the decision that for the site to work for them financially and to enable to progress to construction stage as quickly as possible, the design of the house types and the layout must be changed.’
He said these changes consist of a reduction in floor areas, more economic external finishes, a more efficient layout of entrances and internal roads and services, a more contemporary approach to the designs, a greater mix of houses types and a coherent phasing structure with proper consultation and phasing on the delivery of the Part V obligation for social housing.
Mr Molloy said that the lands are located in Zone 8 of the Coolcotts/Townpark area where ‘major development is restricted to an area to the south of the racecourse on Coolcotts lane, Medium density should apply but opportunity exists to maximise the location overlooking the racecourse.’
He said that the proposed density of 24.4 units per hectares is largely compliant with this adding the scheme ‘has been designed to ensure as many residents as possible can enjoy the aspect and overlooking of the racecourse and further sea views to the North East’.
Mr Molloy said the site layout has been dictated by the desirable aspect of the view to the racecourse. A buffer zone and green area between the proposed development and the existing Hunter’s Court estate has also been included to ensure no overshadowing or overlooking. This, he said, had been done as previously the residents of Hunter’s Court had objected to the other planning application.
A detailed landscape plan has also been submitted to the council with the application and emphasis has been put on the usability of green spaces.
The proposed open space on site represents 16 per cent of the overall site area and is a significant increase on the open space in the previous application.
Access to the site will be through two newly constructed entrances on Coolcotts Lane and another access from the existing housing development and Inner Relief Road to the west of the development.
This application is phase one of a more substantial development and a childcare facility will form part of the second phase. This is expected to be submitted to Wexford County Council within weeks.