Waterford City and County Council have refused planning permission for almost 80 homes near the Knockboy area on the Dunmore Road.
The application - submitted by JJP Investments Limited in June 2022 - sought approval for the construction of 79 two-bed semi-detached, mid-terrace, and end-terrace units, the majority of which were set to be apartments.
The proposal included plans for 44 apartments, 35 houses, and a creche, but was refused by the local authority on the 19th of June.
The application also sought permission for vehicular/pedestrian/cyclist access and one additional pedestrian access point at Dunmore Road, including alterations to the public footpath and road, and all associated site works.
A number of concerns were lodged in relation to the proposed development, which comprised of issues such as traffic and sight line alterations.
Outlining the reasoning for the refusal, Waterford Council made reference to the absence of a detailed agreement with an Approved Housing Body, State Agency/Body or the Housing Authority, to indicate a commitment to deliver social/affordable housing.
The proposed development is at odds with the Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 to 2028, which only allows for the "development of social and affordable housing by the Approved Housing Body, State Agency/Body or the Housing Authority on lands zoned Strategic Residential Reserve".
Also among the reasons was a 'lack of sufficient legal interest/necessary consents from the developer to enable the servicing of the proposed residential development with foul sewer infrastructure.'
It was ultimately ruled that the development could not be adequately serviced, and would be contrary to the sustainable development of the locality.
