Plans for major housing development in Limerick rejected for a second time

AN Bord Pleanála has rejected plans for a significant housing development in Limerick city.

Revington Developments had sought to build almost 450 homes on a four-acre site off Pa Healy Road at Canal Bank in Rhebogue.

The proposed development would have seen the construction of seven high-rise blocks to include 363 build-to-rent apartments in a mix of studio, one-bed room and two bedroom units. A further 61 student apartments were proposed alongside 18 dwelling houses.

Revington Developments had also sought permission to demolish an existing warehouse and the erection of a cafe, three retail units, a creche and management facilities.

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In 2020 An Bord Pleanala rejected the multi-million euro proposals on account of the fact the development site supports different species of otter.

A fresh application, which was subsequently lodged, has now been rejected.

In its decision, which was formally approved earlier this week, a number of reasons for the refusal were outlined by the board including concerns relating to the potential impact on the River Shannon and the River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area and the potential to cause flooding in other locations.

An Bord Pleanala also stated that it is precluded from granting permission due to inadequate information provided by the developers on the impact of the development on Lutra Lutra Otters.

The six-page document also states the inclusion of retail units in the proposed development "materially contravenes" the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028 given the zoning that applies in the area.

The board also found the the site of the proposed development "is not identified as one to support a tall building" and that it is is located in a in an area "where densities in excess of 100 units per hectare are encouraged".

In its report to the board, Limerick City and County Council recommended that planning permission be granted.

Environmental Trust Ireland, which lodged a submission with An Bord Pleanala regarding the proposed development, has welcomed the decision to refuse permission.

Its president, solicitor Michelle Hayes commented: "We are in a biodiversity loss crisis and we cannot on the one hand declare a biodiversity loss crisis when massive large scale monstrosities like this, if unchallenged, would create a concrete jungle which potentially would have major detrimental consequences for Habitats and Ecosystems within specially designated environmental areas protected at European level.   Where half the world's species have disappeared or are at risk of extinction, care must be exercised to ensure that developments do not contribute to the biodiversity loss crisis."