Plans for apartments for older persons at Little John Centre
By Hayden Moore
PERMISSION is being sought for the demolition to the rear of The Little John Centre and the development of apartments for older persons, with the proposed development being labelled “misleading” by a resident.
Applicant Number Four Red Ltd is seeking permission to construct a three to four storey development over a 0.14ha site on the Cromwellsfort Road.
An artist impression of the plans for older housing at the rear of The Little John Centre
The proposed development consists of 20 one bedroom “Housing for Older People” apartments, with each unit possessing a balcony or terrace.
A new vehicular access point off Cherry Grove with eight car-parking spaces and 20 bicycle parking spaces are also included in the planning application.
Multiple submissions have already been received by the council in relation to this development with a resident in the neighbouring Cherryfield objecting to the application.
A main concern for Tara Mullen is around the eight parking spaces for 20 apartments, “meaning any other cars will be parking in Cherryfield as there is no parking on Cromwellsfort Road”.
Other concerns expressed by Ms Mullen is around where the builders will park, carers for said “older people” will park and how the “sheer size, scale and design” is not in keeping with the look of existing buildings on the locality.
“It’s also very misleading saying it will provide 20 bicycle places for the elderly,” Ms Mullen concluded, reinforcing her opinion that “this planning should be refused”.
Residents Stephen O’Connor and Louise Bruton, who live on Cherry Grove where the proposed new access point is, are also strongly requesting that the council refuse planning permission.
When taking into account the scale of the development, Mr O’Connor and Ms Bruton believe the proposed development “will result in adverse impacts on the amenities of the neighbouring residential properties”.
Among their lengthly submission, they concluded that the “adverse impacts” will be as a result of the “overshadowing, overbearing and loss of daylight” caused by the proposal.
The closing date for third party submissions is on June 28, with a decision due from the council on July 19.
