Cookstown landscape set to change with more new builds
By Aideen O'Flaherty
TWO separate fast-track planning applications by Bartra Property could see a total of 723 apartment units being built on First Avenue in Cookstown Industrial Estate which, alongside planned residential developments in other areas of the industrial estate, could change the landscape of Cookstown.
As previously reported in The Echo, planning permission was granted to developer Pyrmont Property Developments Limited last August for the construction of a 107-apartment unit development on Second Avenue in Cookstown.
An artist impression of the development at Unit 21, First Avenue in Cookstown Industrial Estate.
The same developer also fast-tracked plans for a separate 196-unit residential development, also to be located on Second Avenue in Cookstown Industrial Estate, and those plans are currently under consideration by An Bord Pleanála.
The first of Bartra’s two fast-track applications were submitted to An Bord Pleanála in September, seeking permission for the construction of a 351-unit residential development on First Avenue.
It is proposed that this development will consist of 158 built-to-rent apartments and 193 units of shared living accommodation, to be housed over five floors across two apartment blocks, while there is provision for the development of a café.
Last November, An Bord Pleanála reached a decision on the application whereby they stated that the application “requires further consideration/ amendment”.
Bartra then submitted a second fast-track planning application in mid-March, also concerning First Avenue, seeking permission for a residential development consisting of 150 build-to-rent units, in five- to six-storey blocks, and 222 shared-living bedrooms, in six- to eight-storey blocks.
The shared-living bedrooms will provide accommodation where occupants will have their own en-suite room, but they will share a communal kitchen and living area.
Provision for 64 car-parking spaces and 488 bike-parking spaces are included in the plans, and the development will also provide upgrades to the public realm, including additional cycle paths and footpaths, according to Bartra.
The developer has also outlined plans to build a 56-unit social housing block to meet its obligations, as part of their current application.
Speaking about their current application, Bartra’s strategic planning director, Hazel Jones, said: “We’re very pleased with how the pre-planning meetings have gone.
“We’ve worked well with the local authorities throughout the consultation process and we’re hopeful the development will be approved.”
A decision on Bartra’s most recent planning application is due from An Bord Pleanála by June 11.
