A dead end: residents oppose proposals to open cul-de-sac

The residents of a Mullingar estate have called on the council to reverse its plans to build a road into a new social housing development through a quiet cul-de-sac.

Residents from the Ashefield estate say that they first learned about the council’s plans to open up the cul-de-sac when a planning notice was erected in the garden of one of the houses where the new road will go through if the project is given the green the light.

The planning notice includes details for the construction of 22 dwellings and “vehicular access through Ashefield housing estate”.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, residents say that the increase in traffic will change the dynamic of the cul-de-sac and that it will be used as a short cut to Tesco by motorists and pedestrians from the other estates adjoining the proposed development.

The residents stressed that they were not against the development going ahead, but want the council to revise its plans and find an alternate entrance for the estate.

Sebastian Laser bought his house two years. The father of young children, he says that one of the factors in his decision to purchase his home was its location.

“I could have bought a similar house cheaper in other parts of Ashefield but I decided to buy a house in the cul-de-sac because it is safer for my children, that’s the most important thing.”

Mr Laser also speculated that if the council’s plans go ahead as they are, it will lead to a reduction in the value of his property and those of his neighbours.

One of Mr Laser’s neighbours, David Conroy, says that in addition to the danger posed by increased traffic, residents are concerned that opening up the cul-de-sac will lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Over ten years ago Westmeath County Council closed a laneway linking Ashefield to Tesco due to residents’ complaints about anti-social behaviour. He says that people are concerned that history will repeat itself if the cul-de-sac is opened up.

“The estate at the moment is quite peaceful. A lot of families have moved in and it’s grand here now,” he said.

Jackie Hogan said that she and her neighbours are aware of the need for more social housing in Mullingar and are not opposed to the development going ahead.

She said that people feel that the council should have notified each household about its plans.

“We weren’t notified other than the planning notice going up. We had no one come to us from the council. They never got together with any of the residents to discuss what was going on.

“... It’s a lovely little cul-de-sac and everyone is very happy with it. Nobody wants a through road. We understand that people need housing, all we are asking is that they leave us separate.”

Cllr Andrew Duncan met with the residents last week. He says that they have “very valid concerns”.

“It needs widespread consultation and needs to be put under close scrutinty. I am not sure that it’s a great location to open up an access point to be honest with you. It will no longer be a quiet cul-de-sac [if it goes ahead] that’s for sure.”

As it is a Part 8 planning application, Westmeath’s county councillors will have the final say on whether the development goes ahead.

Cllr Duncan, who along with Minister of State Peter Burke is due to meet the residents later this week, says that unless their concerns are taken into account he is unlikely to give it his approval.

“In its current guise I couldn’t support it. I have no issue with the development but I couldn’t support it being accessed through a what is a very well tended, family friendly cul-de-sac."