The national planning body has given the green light for a major housing development in Tralee.
KPH Construction has been granted planning permission to build 245 homes at a site on the Clash Road, directly across from the former racecourse.
An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning subject to 29 conditions, including that the developer constructs cycling and footpath infrastructure along the main road to serve the new homes.
The development at Muing East will comprise 163 two-storey houses and 82 duplex units, of between one and four-beds.
It will also include a childcare facility, as well as 400 car parking spaces and 174 cycle spaces.
The development will be served by a new pedestrian/cycle entrance off Clash Road, and it will be set back to allow a cycle lane along Clash Road.
KPH had previously applied for planning to build 256 homes on this site, but was refused permission, mainly over the design and layout of the maisonettes and apartments.
The company brought a revised application for 245 homes at Muing East, and the council granted planning for this development; this was then appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The appeals expressed concerns over a potential increase in traffic in the area, as well as possible flood risks, and the capacity of local infrastructure to cater for the increase in population.
An Coimisiún Pleanála’s inspector, however, said they were satisfied the area is served in terms of social and community infrastructure, and would represent an overall positive contribution to the area.
The inspector also wrote infrastructural improvements to Clash Road, as well as improved connectivity to neighbouring estates, means the increased traffic can be assimilated into the local road network without adverse impacts.
It was noted the development will impact on a fulacht fiadh identified, but the County Archaeologist recommended this be preserved by record rather than preserved in situ.
Planning was granted subject to 29 conditions, including that the development be carried out on a phased basis, with the childcare facility constructed in the first phase.
The developer is to pay a financial contribution to go towards upgrading the junction between Clash Road and Racecourse Road, and agree the details of the footpath and cycling infrastructure on Clash Road with Kerry County Council.
The planning permission is valid for five years.
