Planning application submitted for 25 new houses in Rhode

A planning application has been lodged for a development of 25 new homes, along with two commercial units, in Rhode.

SPJ Foy Brothers Developments Ltd. has submitted plans for the proposed development on a 7,150 square metre site with an address of Road, Rhode.

The planning bid was received by Offaly County Council on Monday of this week, November 2.

It involves a proposal for the construction of 17 two-storey terrace houses and eight three bed two-storey properties. Five of the homes would be made available to the council for social housing use, in accordance with Part V of the Planning and Development Act.

The construction of two new retail units on the development site also forms part of the planning application.

In addition, the proposed project would include water drainage works, all associated ancillary siteworks to facilitate the development, the upgrade of the existing agricultural entrance to a vehicular entrance and provision of access roadway, footpaths and public lighting.

Documentation submitted by the developer's consultants to Offaly County Council as part of the planning submission states that that the proposed two-storey houses would be arranged in terraces of three, five and six dwellings in order to "establish a consistent identity" across the development.

"The site sits between an established single-storey residential area and the village centre, where two-storey buildings define the streetscape. The proposed dwellings reinforce this transition, contributing to the gradual change in urban character across the site," the consultants said.

The planning application states that the proposal seeks to "provide a high quality, compact extension to the village of Rhode," by integrating the 25 houses and two retail units within the locality.

The consultants stated in the submitted documentation that the inclusion of two retail units "facilitates the expansion of mixed-use development within villages at an appropriate scale".

"By integrating commercial services with residential units, the development supports reduced car dependency, providing local services within walking distance of new homes and consolidates the village centre in support of the local economy," the consultants added.

The proposed development provides 1,181 sq m of open space, with the applicants stating that this space is "designed to be within 150 metres walking distance of every house" in order to help promote "active lifestyles".

Contending that the development would be a "sustainable and efficient response to the growth targets for Rhode", the consultants stated that the proposal "successfully balances the need for new housing with environmental protection, social integration, and the strategic goal of creating a 'self-sustaining', village rather than a commuter-driven settlement".

A decision on the submitted planning application is expected from Offaly County Council on or before January 5.