A planning decision is expected next week on a proposed 98-home residential development in south Waterford, with the outcome potentially bringing the total number of new homes approved in the area to almost 200.

Waterford City and County Council is due to decide by Monday, August 3, on an application by Vetra Construction Ltd. for a substantial housing development adjoining the existing Foxwood estate.

The proposed scheme would comprise 98 residential units, including 66 houses and a four-storey apartment block containing 32 apartments.

The housing mix includes:

  • 20 four-bedroom houses
  • 46 three-bedroom houses
  • A four-storey apartment building with 32 apartments, comprising eight one-bedroom units and 24 two-bedroom units.

The development would also include landscaped public open space, approximately 190 metres of LIHAF road, a new vehicular and pedestrian entrance from the LIHAF road, a pedestrian connection through to the neighbouring Foxwood estate, public lighting, drainage infrastructure and all associated site works.

Residents concerns

The application attracted a submission from residents of the adjoining Foxwood estate, who raised concerns over two key elements of the proposal.

Residents objected to the planned pedestrian link between the new development and Foxwood, citing concerns over connectivity between the estates.

They also expressed concern about the scale of the proposed four-storey apartment block, arguing that its height would be of concern.

In their submission, residents requested that the council either refuse planning permission or, alternatively, require the removal of the pedestrian connection through Foxwood and seek a reduction in the height and scale of the apartment building.

The council’s planning decision is expected by Monday August 3rd.

Nearly 200 homes in the pipeline

If approved, the Vetra Construction development would bring the number of homes either approved or proposed in the immediate area to 197.

Earlier this month, Waterford City and County Council granted conditional planning permission to Rio Real Properties for a separate 99-home residential development at Lacken Road, Carrigroe, Kilbarry.

That development includes 32 duplex two-bedroom apartments alongside a mix of three and four-bedroom houses, as well as a new crèche, public open spaces, wetlands, cycle parking, landscaping, drainage infrastructure and a new entrance from the existing LIHAF road.

Should the latest application also receive the green light, the two developments would represent one of the most significant recent additions to Waterford’s housing pipeline, delivering almost 200 new homes in the rapidly expanding south of the city.

Any decision to grant permission on the 98-home scheme could still be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, meaning the development would not become final until the appeal period has expired or, if an appeal is lodged, until the board reaches its decision.