Council gives green light for 65 new houses in Mullingar estate

Westmeath County Council has granted planning permission for 65 new houses at Ardmore Hills despite the ojections of many local residents.

The successful application by local construction firm, Frank Bell and Son Ltd, was granted subject to 26 conditions, including the provision of a creche.

Around 50 residents made submissions to the county council objecting to the proposed development, primarily citing concerns about road safety issues.

A number of objectors noted that the road into the new phase of Ardmore Hills will pass through the exisiting estate and called for an alternative access point to be provided. Other objectors claimed that the traffic study did not consider the close proximity of Holy Family National School and didn't take into account the large amount of traffic at peak times.

There were three representations from local elected representatives. In his representation Senator Aidan Davitt noted that Ireland is in the middle of a housing crisis. He also stated that Mullingar is identified as a key town in the National Planning Framework and “therefore requiring additional housing supply”.

Sen Davitt added that the Bell family “have a long and established track record of developing high quality housing in Mullingar and have my full support”.

Cllr Mick Dollard also expressed his support for the development saying that the site is zoned for housing and “there is a major housing need in Mullingar”.

Cllr Hazel Smyth made a representation in support of those who object to the development going ahead. The Greens councillor said the she objected to the development “in terms of the primary access routes being through the Ardmore Hills Housing estate”.

Among the other reasons she gave for objecting were “safety concerns for residents and children due to increased traffic flows”.

She also and said that the application is “piecemeal and does not include future phase developments”.