Delvin new housing plan referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála

A local authority approved planning application for a 21-home development has been referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

In January, Westmeath County Council planners approved the application for a significant housing development on the Athboy Road, Castletowndelvin, Delvin. The permission was subject to 22 conditions.

The housing plan relates to a development arranged in six terrace-style blocks with a mix of three-and four-bedroom units, designed to integrate with the surrounding rural environment.

Melvin Properties Limited made the application for the development, consisting of 21 two-storey dwellings in six terraced blocks, in February 2025.

Block A is of one four-bedroom and two three-bedroom houses, Block B consists of three three-bedroom houses, Block C consists of one four-bedroom house and two three-bedroom houses, Block D consists of one four-bedroom house and three three-bedroom houses, Block E of four three-bedroom houses and Block F of four three-bedroom houses (total three four-bedroom houses and 18 three-bedroom houses).

Permission was also sought for new site entrance, on-site car parking and all associated site works

The site has a total area of 0.7427 hectares, some 23% designated as communal open spaces, which will be landscaped and maintained. The construction phase will include site preparation, earthworks, infrastructure installation, and house construction.

Following the granting of permission by the council planning office last month, the matter was referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála by third party appellant Anthony Kelly.

In a submission to the local authority planners on behalf of Mr Kelly, planning consultant, Patrick Gallagher, outlined the objections. Mr Gallagher said the county development plan requires any new development to provide for “the development of educational, social and recreational facilities in the village”.

Mr Gallagher said the proposed estate contravenes the development plan as it locates “the major public open space along a busy public road”, which he describes as “possibly sub-optimal as regards safety issues”.

The planning consultant, who is also a qualified town planner, said his client believed the plans would have a “future impact on the enjoyment of their residential amenities (and consequent depreciation of value of his property by overlooking and overbearing)” describing this as “an issue of major significance”.

Mr Gallagher continued: “They have resided over the last 40 years and raised their family, it is a matter of the utmost concern. Now in their senior years, the Kellys are seriously, and understandably, worried that their family’s quality of life will be imperilled.”

He concluded by saying: “They are seeking, at a minimum, the removal of this block of dwellings ie (Block F) from the project and that the said lands revert to designated open space”.

An Coimisiún Pleanála will now assess the appeal.