Planning bid for large age-friendly housing development in Tullamore
A planning application has been lodged for a development of 43 'age-friendly' single-storey houses at Church Hill, Tullamore.
Peppard Investments Ltd. has submitted plans for the proposed development on a 1.02 hectare site located 700 metres from the centre of Tullamore.
The proposed development will facilitate the regeneration and completion of an unfinished residential site on which previous planning permissions had expired, the application states.
The planning bid was received by Offaly County Council on Monday of this week, November 9.
The proposed development involves the construction of 22 one-bedroom and 21 two-bedroom terraced properties arranged in eight blocks, complete with with a single-storey administration block.
In addition, the proposed project would include the provision of 39 car parking spaces, two bin stores, open spaces, landscaping, boundary treatments and vehicular and pedestrian access via existing access from Church Hill.
Documentation submitted by the developer's consultants to Offaly County Council as part of the planning submission said the smaller residential unit mix "offers an alternative to conventional larger family houses" and "responds to the housing requirements of an ageing population".
"Such provision can support independent living and facilitate downsizing, with potential indirect benefits for turnover of larger family housing. The age-friendly model is reinforced by proximity to local services, communal spaces and on-site support facilities. The age-friendly model is reinforced by proximity to local services, communal spaces and on-site support facilities," the consultants added.
The site, with its location being 700 metres from the centre of Tullamore town, is adjacent to established housing and pedestrian infrastructure. In its submission, the consultants said the proposed development is "therefore well placed to support compact growth, town-centre vitality and access to services".
The proposed development provides "approximately 1,395 square metres" of public open space, with the applicants that this space is "particularly valuable for older residents".
"Well-overlooked spaces, resting places and opportunities for informal interaction can contribute to physical activity, social inclusion and mental wellbeing. The landscape strategy proposes planting, green infrastructure, walking routes and communal spaces suited to an age-friendly environment," the consultants said.
Allowing for the "resident profile" of the proposed development, the submitted documentation submitted by the consultants shows "safe, direct and comfortable routes between each dwelling, parking, communal areas and a wider footpath network".
Referencing the overall planning rationale for the proposed development, the consultants acknowledged that, in line with "county, regional and national policy objectives", the scheme "promotes accessible housing, age-friendly communities and the reuse of under-utilised urban land".
"The proposed development represents an efficient and appropriate use of serviced urban land and has been designed to respond positively to the character and residential amenities of the surrounding area.
"It is respectfully submitted that the proposed development accords with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and that planning permission should be granted by Offaly County Council," the consultants concluded.
A decision on the submitted planning application is expected from Offaly County Council on or before January 12.