An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for 324 homes and apartments on the outskirts of Waterford City.
The receiver of the land adjacent to the Paddocks on Williamstown Road had applied for fast-track approval.
However, there was widespread opposition from residents in the area.
In its ruling, the Bord said the proposed development would seriously injure the residential amenities of future occupants and would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.
“It is considered that the development as proposed results in a poor design concept, lacks variety and distinctiveness, fails to establish a sense of place, and includes a poor quality of architectural design that does not respond appropriately to the topography of the site.”
The Board also had concerns about the Traffic & Transport Assessment submitted, stating that it could not be satisfied that the development would not endanger public safety by reason of hazard to road users such as cyclists & pedestrians.
Keith Worley from the Paddocks Residents Association said the residents were trying to establish a sense of community and the plans contradicted those efforts.
He said the residents do want to see the estate finished:
“No one is against development of the site and the finishing of the estate, it was the sheer density of what was being proposed was going to have a negative impact on ourselves, the community as a whole. So we would like to see something more in keeping with what’s here at present.”
