Developer appeals Goat Street planning decision

THE company behind a plan to build 11 residential units at Fairfield Close, Goat Street, has lodged an appeal with Bord Pleanála against Kerry County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the development.

On June 25 Kerry County Council refused planning permission, stating that, “the proposed development would seriously injure the amenities and depreciate the value of existing residential property in the vicinity”.

The decision reflected multiple submissions by residents of Fairfield Close who pointed out that the development would entail the loss of a green amenity space in front of their houses, which they argued was part of the ‘parent permission’ for the Fairfield Close cluster of houses.

Residents also highlighted that under the original planning conditions for Fairfield Close, the old stone wall fronting onto Goat Street was supposed to be rebuilt in accordance with traditional methods “in the interest of the historical importance of this wall and the visual amenities of the area”. The wall was rebuilt (albeit not in a very traditional style) and residents have pointed out that the rebuilt wall would be lost if the development were allowed.

However, a detailed appeal to Bord Pleanála by planning consultant Derek Daly on behalf of the developer claims that the green area “is absolutely unsuitable as an area of public open space”.

Objectors to the development plan who made submissions to Kerry County Council have been invited to make written submissions or observations to an Bord Pleanála by August 18. The planning appeals body is expected to make a decision on the matter by November 23 next.