Housing plan appealed to ABP

Westmeath County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a major new housing development on the Dublin Road in Mullingar has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

On October 27 the council gave Mullingar firm Andrews Construction the green light to build 245 residential units, comprising 210 houses and 35 apartments, on a 10-hectare site in the Petitswood townland.

The original application was the subject of a number of objections, the majority from residents living on the Ardmore Road.

Objectors raised a number of issues, including the density of the development, the impact on wildlife and biodiversity, and the potential loss of privacy and light.

People also expressed concern that a development of such a scale could create road safety issues.

According to the An Bord Pleanála website, a number of appeals were lodged, including one from the Ardmore Road Residents Association.

The date for the An Bord Pleanála decision on the case is next spring, March 20, 2024.