Residents raise concerns over 'high-density' Mayo housing development

Residents and neighbours of Glencarra and the Garryduff areas of Castlebar have made a submission to Mayo County Council raising concerns over a planning application by MGB Land Holdings Limited for the construction of a housing development consisting of 68 dwellings at Garryduff Park, Snugboro.

The submission, supported by over 60 signatories, said while the need for new housing is understood, they are worried in respect of a number of aspects that warrant consideration.

The main points relate to 'excessive housing density', flood risk concerns, biodiversity, increased vehicular traffic, environmental and amenity impact, the inclusion of three-storey buildings, and the impact, from a cultural and heritage preservation perspective, of a traditional Mass path which runs from Snugboro to the Church of the Holy Rosary in the town.

The submission also stated residents encountered significant barriers in accessing timely, clear and comprehensive information about the development.

"This lack of transparency undermines our right to participate meaningfully in the planning process and violates the spirit and obligations of the Aarhus Convention, as set out by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

"The uncertainty and scale of this proposal are causing significant stress and anxiety among current residents.

"The sudden introduction of high-density housing, increased traffic volume and potential anti-social behaviour created deep uncertainty and fear for residents.

"The development, as proposed, is incompatible with the environmental sensitivity, infrastructure capacity and community character of the Garryduff area," the submission added.

A decision on the planning application is due to be made by the council shortly.

MGB Land Holdings Limited is proposing to develop a substantial housing masterplan at Garryduff Park, Snugboro, which would see 164 new homes being built over the coming years with an investment of over €60 million, 'creating or supporting in the order of 700 jobs or more, thus encouraging significant indirect investment and spending in the town'.

The project is comprised of three planning applications.

Site 1: Garryduff Park (GP) East – 55 dwellings in two and three storey semi-detached and terraced houses and duplex / apartment configurations.

Site 2: GP West – 68 dwellings in two and three storey semi-detached and terraced houses and duplex/apartment configurations.

Site 3: GP North – 41 dwellings in two and three storey detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and duplex / apartment configurations and a creche.