230 sign petitions against proposal for four-storey apartment block

City planners have told the company behind plans for a four-storey apartment block in Knocknacarra – where two councillors have joined more than 230 locals in opposition – to scale back the proposal.

Last March, plans were lodged with Galway City Council for the construction of the 18 apartments on the site of unfinished houses on Bóthar Stiofáin, with access from the Cloch Ard estate.

Dragamara Ltd, owned by Rebecca Elliffe-Crehan, sought to build 14 two-bed and 4 one-bed apartments included in the proposal.

A total of 15 objections were received to the plans – including petitions signed by more than 230 people – while local area councillors John Connolly and Donal Lyons also objected.

The Council has now told the company that the design and height of the development is considered excessive – its density and the height of the building must be reduced.

It added that while a contemporary-designed building is welcome, they wanted proposals which would “enhance the design assimilation into the surrounding area”.

Planners said the layout proposed a carparking area as part of the communal space, which was not acceptable – they requested a revised proposal “which ensures the maximum level of communal open space is provided for”.

Issues were also raised by the Council over traffic and transportation – they have ordered that carparking be revised so that all spaces meet City Development Plan requirements and have sought a detailed assessment on cycle parking and turning ability of vehicles adjacent to the apartment parking area.

An objection, signed by 190 residents living in the estates on Bóthar Stiofáin, said the proposal is “totally at odds” with the existing pattern of two-storey houses in the area.

“Residents are deeply concerned by the vehicular entrance to the proposed development. The entrance will provide access for over 20 additional cars in the Clock Ard estate within 25m of the junction of Cloch Ard and Bóthar Stiofáin. The standard vehicular entrance within the estate are designed to accommodate one to two cars.

“We are also concerned by the proposed drop-off along the entrance to Cloch Ard and would contend it offers specific hazard to pedestrians and cyclists,” it reads.

The objection added that the building would have the capacity to view the private amenity spaces of many residences in neighbouring estates and on the main road.

Other objectors voiced concerns about excessive increases in traffic and potential for illegal parking in Cloch Ard and that gardens would be overlooked and overshadowed.

Councillors Donal Lyons (Ind) said the application would reduce the quality of life of residents living adjacent to the site and that it went against good planning as it contravened to Galway City Development Plan.

More than 30 residents of Bóthar Stiofáin signed a separate objection noting similar concerns, adding that the location is poorly served by public transport and that there is a lack of green space and play areas within the complex.

Those concerns were echoed in a separate objection from Cllr John Connolly (FF).

Dragamara now has six months to respond to the Council or the application will be deemed to be withdrawn.