New 41-home development mooted in Clara

A planning application has been lodged with Offaly County Council for the construction of 41 new homes in Clara.

Dublin based company, CDP Architecture, has submitted plans for the construction of a housing development at Kilbride Gardens, off Kilbride Way, in the centre of the town.

The proposed development comprises the demolition of an existing two-storey dwelling and the construction of 41 residential units, including 33 three and four bedroom detached and semi-detached houses and an apartment block containing four one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom duplex apartments.

The development also includes a bin and bicycle store serving the apartment block, an ESB substation, vehicular and pedestrian access from Kilbride Way, car parking spaces, landscaping, communal and public open space areas, together with all associated site development works.

A design statement submitted by CDP Architecture as part of the planning application, said the proposed development site is "predominantly greenfield in character" and is situated next to existing residential developments, "contributing to its integration within the established urban context of Clara".

"Lands to the north of the site remain vacant, while lands to the south comprise established residential uses, reinforcing the site’s relationship with the surrounding neighbourhood," the applicant's stated.

Highlighting the location of the proposed development to Clara town centre, the design statement said the site "benefits from proximity to a variety of local amenities which "support daily convenience, recreation, and community activity".

"Overall, the site occupies a well-connected and accessible location within Clara, benefiting from both its residential setting and strong transport links," CPD Architecture added.

The applicants also acknowledged that the proposed development "makes a positive contribution to the character and identity of County Offaly, by revitalising a residentially zoned site and transforming it into a high-quality neighbourhood.

"It provides attractive homes alongside well-designed public and private open spaces, creating a sustainable and inclusive environment for both residents and the wider community," the applicants said.

CPD Architecture confirmed in the design statement that eight residential units, representing the required 20% of the proposed build, will be allocated to meet social and affordable housing requirements as part of the proposed development.

A climate action energy statement submitted with the planning application by RM Breen Engineering Limited, on behalf of CDP Architecture, outlined the sustainable nature of the proposed dwellings which are "designed to be energy-efficient and responsive to future climate challenges".

A civil infrastructure strategy report was also submitted with the planning application in support of the proposed development.

This report provides an overview of the design approach in relation to a number of aspects of the proposed development, including surface water drainage, water supply and distribution system, foul drainage network, vehicular access and the internal road layout.

Submitting the planning application for the consideration and approval of Offaly County Council, the applicants said the "high quality development contributes positively to the surrounding neighbourhood", representing an "efficient and sustainable use of land" and "supports the wider objectives for compact growth and urban revitalisation" in Clara.

Offaly County Council is expected to make a decision on the planning application by September 2.