Council refuse planning permission for 30 Longford homes after local concerns raised
Longford County Council decided to reject the plans for the 30 unit housing development near Stonepark’s Silver Birches estate in recent days.
A planning application for a 30 new homes in Longford town has been refused by the local authority after concerns were raised about wastewater treatment capacity.
Longford County Council decided to reject the plans for the 30 unit housing development near Stonepark’s Silver Birches estate in recent days.
The proposed residential development was listed as 30 homes consisting of 24 three-bedroom semi-detached houses and six smaller two-bedroom houses.
The planning application was received by the local authority on March 12 last from applicant Martina Smyth and the decision due date was October 27 with a decision being made on October 20.
Further information was requested on April 30 last and received in September.
Submissions were lodged by Uisce Eireann and seven other people in relation to the proposed development.
Concerns were raised by some local residents who submitted appeals about the capacity of the existing sewage treatment plant to cater for the additional homes, while ongoing issues being experienced by some local people regarding sewage was also outlined.
One local resident Bernard Kelly of Silver Birches objected to the housing at Silver Birches, Dunbeggan, Stonepark, Longford and outlined his reasons.
"My objection is based on serious concerns regarding the capacity of the existing Sewerage treatment plant and infrastructure. Serious concerns regarding the capacity of the existing services and infrastructure.
"Inadequate water pressure. Concerns over Surface water and the existing drain.
"Concerns over future maintenance. Concerns around increased traffic and road safety, limited access for emergency services due to a single entrance.
"Overdevelopment of a rural area that currently lacks sufficient local infrastructure."
Another local resident Martina Smyth also lodged an objection.
She said Silver Birches currently has approximately 62 houses, included within this number is a crèche which supports 40 children and six adults.
"The existing Envirocare P375 Sewerage treatment plant is compatible with up to 62 homes/375 users and is currently at full capacity.
"Therefore no more houses/users should be connected to this treatment plant."