Planning permission for 204 new houses in Rathcoole overturned

PLANNING permission for the development of 204 houses in Rathcoole was overturned last week, following a judicial review that was launched by local residents’ groups.

The action was brought against An Bord Pleanála by Four Districts Woodlands Habitat Group, BCM Residents’ Association, Rathcoole Park Residents’ Association, and Forest Hill Residents’ Association.

It centred on a contentious strategic housing development proposal for the site at Stoney Hill Road, which An Bord Pleanála granted permission for in November 2020.

The approval of planning permission to developer Romeville Developments Ltd was quashed by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys last Wednesday, June 28, according to The Irish Times.

It was quashed as a result of two legal flaws that the residents’ groups brought to the attention of the High Court.

The flaws were the fact that the proposed development contravened the Local Area Plan by reason of its density, and the level of hedgerow that would have to be removed for the development.

Mr Justice Humphreys quashed the permission and adjourned the case, which will be mentioned in the court again at a later date.

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