Limerick residents want meeting with developer after apartments get green light

RESIDENTS are seeking meetings with developers behind plans for a multi-storey apartment complex on the edge of their estate.

The locals from Rhebogue are furious that after a protracted battle, An Coimisiún Pleanála has given the green light to Silvergrove Developments.

The firm now wants to build 25 apartments rising up two and three storeys next to Drominbeg Square in Rhebogue.

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The national planning appeals body backed up the decision made by Limerick City and County Council to approve the development.

It came despite six appeals to An Coimisiún Pleanála from residents and individuals.

Now, the chairperson of the Rhebogue Residents Association, Cllr Sarah Beasley, confirmed she will seek to meet represents of Silvergrove.

“Planning regulations in Rhebogue don’t seem to be following what they should be following,” she said, pointing to homes adjacent to the site which still accommodate mature college students.

This came despite the fact the homes are not designated for that use.

“Now we have an apartment block, which looks awful. It’s like a warehouse, it’s not fitting in with the redbrick type of houses that we have in Rhebogue. We have an issue with that,” said Cllr Beasley.

The commission’s inspector's recommendation that the accommodation be restricted to elderly people and vulnerable people was rejected.

In its final judgement confirming permission, An Coimisiún Pleanála did not include this stipulation.

However, a Silvergrove representative did state in details to planners the housing is “suitable for older persons and/or persons with disabilities”.

It was a position they reaffirmed in communication with the national planning authority.

Cllr Beasley confirmed residents are seeking a formal meeting with the developer to clarify who will use the new accommodation and to allow locals a chance to voice their concerns in relation to the development.

“We are a mature neighbourhood, we are ageing. It would be lovely accommodation for downsizing. But at the moment, it is up in the air,” the northside Aontu councillor told Limerick Live.

It’s anticipated a residents’ meeting will be arranged.

Silvergrove Developments did not return a request for comment from the Leader.