Planners make decision on new apartments in Limerick community

PLANS to build a new housing estate in Rhebogue have been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

But crucially, a recommendation to restrict the accommodation to elderly people and those with disabilities has been rejected by the national planning authority.

Silvergrove Developments secured conditional permission from Limerick Council to build 25 apartments in two-and-three storeys next to Drominbeg Square in Rhebogue, a move appealed by six groups and individuals.

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It’s located just yards away from another set of 20 new-build houses which the University of Limerick (UL) bought for €12.5m, and was using to house post-graduate students.

These homes - which UL bought in bulk - were later ruled to be ‘unauthorised’ for use by students.

Due to the fact the same developer, Silvergrove, was the applicant on the latest project, there were fears the development may house more students.

This is in spite of the college itself saying it has no association with the new development.

And a representative of Silvergrove stated in details to council planners the housing is “suitable for older persons and/or persons with disabilities”.

It’s a position they reaffirm in communication with An Coimisiún Pleanála, where they state: “the intended end user is specified in the description of the proposed development.”

The commission’s inspector recommended permission be given subject to a number of conditions including the apartments are occupied only be older people or those with disabilities or learning difficulties.

This, they said is to “limit the scope of the proposed development to that for which the application was made.”

But the commission did not include that recommendation.

Silvergrove did not return a request for comment.