An Bord Pleanála has approved planning permission for 18 new houses in Passage West.
Parson Developments Limited initially received approval from Cork County Council in January to build 18 semi-detached houses on the site of the old Mount Saint Joseph Orphanage on Back Road, Passage West.
The approved plans also include the restoration and repurposing of the former orphanage building.
The development involves demolishing former farm buildings and annexes located behind and to the southwest of the main building, plus modifications to the current vehicle entrance on Black Road.
The project also encompasses related site work, including roads, drainage, parking, footpaths, and public amenity spaces.
Several third parties appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála, raising objections citing “excessive density and inappropriate scale and urban form of development” that they argued would not be in keeping with the protected structure.
Concerns were also voiced regarding the potential for a “significant detrimental” impact on the area’s visual appeal.
However, the planning board agreed with the council, granting approval with 24 conditions.
In its decision, the board stated the development “would not adversely impact on the character and setting of Mount Saint Joseph’s or the Architectural Conservation Area, would constitute an acceptable density of residential development in this location, would not seriously injure the residential amenities of the area, would provide an acceptable standard of amenity for future residents, and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.”
“The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” the board concluded.
