University of Limerick firm's concern over housing in estate
Developers planning multi-storey apartment complex in Rhebogue
A SUBSIDIARY firm of University of Limerick (UL) has expressed concerns over a new development beside its own homes in a city estate.
As previously revealed by Limerick Live, Silvergrove Developments are seeking permission from council to build 25 apartments in two-and-three storeys next to Drominbeg Square in Rhebogue.
UL has already stated there is “no association” between the new development and the 20 neighbouring homes which the college bought for €12.5m.
Also developed by Silvergrove, these homes were occupied with college students despite the fact permission was only in place for residential use.
This stipulation means they cannot be used for student houses.
Now, the Plassey Trust Company, linked to UL, has joined 19 other groups and individuals in writing to council over the planning application.
In the letter - headed by Plassey Trust Company - it confirms that Plassey Trust is the owner of the land to the north of the development site.
“The development is described as ‘suitable for older persons and/or persons with disabilities’, but it is not clear if this in fact forms the actual basis of the development. This needs to be clarified,” the firm stated.
The presence of an outdoor terrace in the new development has sparked fears among locals that students could be housed there also.
But the planning file contains a commitment to allocate five of the apartments to council tenants.
Meanwhile, Plassey Trust CLG has also expressed concerns at the size of the apartments.
“The proposal is to introduce higher rise structures in a dense configuration with flat roof horizontal lines which will be in stark variance with his established character.
“The nearness to the estate road will exacerbate this contrast as there is no room to landscape and soften the higher and harder lines of what is proposed,” the firm added.
Concern was also raised at what was described as an “apparent insufficiency of car parking spaces”.
It pointed out up to 50 people could live in the new development, yet only 10 car parking spaces are planned.
The local authority has requested further information from the developer, which has six months to formally respond.