In September, the planned building of 262 new homes were withdrawn.
A planning application to build 262 new homes in Portlaoise that was with An Bord Pleanala has been withdrawn by the developer.
Thomas Kelly & Sons Group had submitted an application to An Bord Pleanala for a development in the townland of Rathevan, Kilminchy, Portlaoise.
Ordinarily, planning permission for a development would go before Laois County Council but a new fast-track planning system allows An Bord Pleanála grant permission to large residential building projects.
The Strategic Housing Development Process has been introduced as part of the Government’s housing action plan and allows for applications of 100 or more housing units, or student accommodation of 200 or more spaces, to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála.
The proposed development was to consist of 262 residential units made up of 206 houses and 56 apartments – and also a childcare facility.
However, people who submitted letters to An Bord Pleanala in relation to this received correspondence this morning to say the development would no longer be proceeding.
The letter stated: “Please be advised that the application in relation to the above-mentioned proposed development has been withdrawn by the respective applicant.”
It is unclear why the development has been shelved by a report from Irish Water contained in documents seen by LaoisToday may shed some light on this.
The Irish Water report into the development outlined that major upgrades to the network would be required in order to service the houses.
As a result, Irish Water said they were ‘of the opinion that the proposed development is pre-mature pending the completion of further detailed investigation, optioneering and solution design in respect of network and pumping station upgrades required to service this development’.
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