Residential developments proposed in two Offaly areas

Planning applications have been lodged for two separate housing developments in Bracknagh and Banagher which, if both are approved, would result in the creation of 28 new residential units in total.

Thoval Properties Limited, who have submitted plans for the proposed development of 18 residential units in Bracknagh, said the basis for its application to Offaly County Council is to "provide a high quality residential development in the centre of the town to meet the housing needs of the growing population".

The developers are proposing a residential development comprising six three bedroom two storey terrace houses in a single streetscape block, six three bedroom two storey terrace houses, two three bedroom two storey semi-detached houses, and a two two bedroom/two three bedroom two storey terraced block in a single streetscape building.

The proposed works includes the demolition of an existing two storey house and demolition of an existing sheds.

Connection to the mains sewer, landscaping, boundary walls, bin/bike storage, car parking and all associated site development works are also included in the developer's proposed plans.

Detailed in the plans submitted to Offaly County Council, the developer stated that the proposed site "is zoned for residential purposes" and is "ripe for development" to deliver a high quality attractive development, with new streetscapes, simple rural style detailing and quality layouts to "meet the needs of young growing families".

The applicant also confirmed that the site is "connected to the town core via existing footpaths" and by a "linking pathway within the proposed development" with "car parking provided at a rate of two spaces per house".

The planning application also stated that all units will have "large back gardens with a new central green providing for public open space".

Offaly County Council are expected to make a decision on the planning application by July 8.

Meanwhile, a planning application has been lodged with Offaly County Council for a proposed development on a site which comprises two properties, the former Shannon Ballroom or ‘Quigley’s Hall’ and former Quigley’s Merchant Tailors on Main Street, Banagher.

The applicant, KRWN and MHN Limited, which is the owner of the properties, is seeking permission for a change of use of the properties to a multiple-apartment building comprising ten apartments. These would consist of three studio-type apartments, six one-bed apartments, and one two-bed apartment. Plans for a public open space and all ancillary site development works have also been submitted to Offaly County Council as part of the planning application.

As the former Quigley’s Merchants Tailors building is a protected structure, the applicants have employed the services of Sweeney Architects to prepare a detailed Conservation Report and Design Assessment for the proposed development.

In their submitted planning application, the developers noted that there is "ample streetside car parking along the front of the site" which will serve the proposed development.

The applicants said they "do not envisage at this time that any new connections will be required to service the proposed development", as the "existing building to which this planning permission application relates is serviced with existing connections to the water and wastewater network mains".

The applicants also confirmed to the local authority in their planning submission that "it is now proposed to carry out any alterations to the existing finishes front façade of the existing buildings" with "all external finishes to remain or restored to their former glory".

Offaly County Council is currently expected to adjudicate on this planning application by July 20.