Green light for first phase of major housing plan in Cornamaddy

A 75-unit residential estate in Cornamaddy, which is seen as the first phase of a larger housing development in the area, has been given the green light by Westmeath County Council planners.

Earlier this year a company called Marina Quarter Ltd submitted the application for 75 homes on a 3.72-hectare site that is situated to the north-west of the Drumaconn housing development in Cornamaddy.

According to planning file, it was "envisaged that an additional 250 units will follow in the future phases of development".

The 75 new homes were granted planning permission by the council, subject to conditions, on Wednesday last.

The project approved last week is due to be accessed by an extension of the link road and roundabout onto the Ballymahon Road at Drumaconn.

The development is to consist of 47 three-bed houses, four two-bed houses, and 24 three-bed apartment or duplex units.

"It is noted at this stage that the subject proposal represents phase one of an overall development on the Cornamaddy lands, subject to separate planning applications for additional residential units," stated the developer.

"This development will provide much needed family housing near Athlone town, which offers a wide variety of amenities and services."

Marina Quarter Ltd also indicated the project would contribute to the delivery of a distributor road through Cornamaddy and toward Coosan.

The plans were approved by the council subject to 24 conditions, one of which is that the developer must enter into an agreement with the council to "restrict all residential units permitted to first occupation by individual purchasers," or those eligible for social or affordable housing, rather than by "a corporate entity".

The council also sought development contributions totalling €503,600.

Some €206,600 of that development contribution sum has been earmarked for "the completion of the Cornamaddy to Coosan link road" which would service the new development.