Killeigh care facility plan appealed to An Bord Pleanala

A residential care facility for people with autism and intellectual disabilities in Killeigh has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Offaly County Council had earlier this month granted permission to Bradbury House Ireland Ltd for the facility at Mill House, Killeenmore, with five conditions attached.

That was despite 142 submissions from members of the public, with residents concerned that the care facility was not suited to a quiet rural community. It was expected to be up and running by the end of the year.

Offaly County Council had given the green light for first floor extentions to the rear of an existing dwelling house, and alterations to the exisiting holiday apartments, as well as a single storey extension to the exisiting garage.

The development plan included the change of use of buildings such as the existing dwelling house, apartment building, office and garage to a residential care complex for people with disabilities.

The layout consisted of nine one-bed units, communal living rooms, education and training areas and offices.

Submissions against the facility referred to the present County Development Plan and said the proposed development lay in contravention to it. 

Concerns were also raised about the lack of consultation with the community and the care facility's location on a narrow road, and the impact that would have on traffic and road safety.

The five conditions attached by the Council to the planning permission stipulated that the development must be in accordance with with original plans laid out and that the care facility shall only be occupied and used by persons with autism and intellectual disabilities, and shall not be occupied by persons with mental health illnesses.

Bradbury House changed the statement of purpose of the house to support only individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities, and not people with mental health illnesses.An Bord Pleanála is due to make its decision on the appeal on October 23.