Ardee Apartment and Retail Development Blocked By An Bord Pleanála
Ardee News and Sport – Ardee Apartment and Retail Development Blocked By An Bord Pleanála
An Bord Pleanála has overturned Louth County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a new apartment and retail development at Ashwalk, Townparks in Ardee.
The proposed project, led by Boyne Ventures Ltd, sought to construct two buildings: a three-storey mixed-use block (Block A) featuring a ground-floor retail unit and apartments, and a two-storey block (Block B) containing additional residential units. The plan also included a landscaped courtyard and storage facilities, with connections to public water and drainage systems.
Louth County Council had granted conditional approval for the project on October 18, but the decision was appealed by residents of Ash Mews and Distillery Lane. Concerns cited in the appeal included traffic and transport issues, the scale and height of the buildings, and potential negative impacts on nearby residential properties.
Although An Bord Pleanála’s Inspector recommended approval with conditions, the board ultimately refused permission on March 13, stating that the development would have an “overbearing and overlooking impact” on adjacent properties. It also cited conflicts with section 13.8.32 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027, which aims to balance preserving neighborhood character with compact development policies.
In its decision, the board noted that modifications to the plan—such as reducing the height of Block A and altering Block B—would materially change the project and could not be addressed through conditions alone.
This ruling halts the proposed development, leaving Boyne Ventures Ltd to consider its next steps.
While An Bord Pleanála’s Inspectors Report recommended that planning permission be granted for the development, subject to conditions, An Bord Pleanála made the decision to refuse planning permission for the development on 13 March. Included in its decision, An Bord Pleanála said that “the proposed development would have an overbearing and overlooking impact on the adjacent properties and would be contrary to section 13.8.32 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 which seeks to maintain a balance between preserving existing amenities and neighbourhood character whilst implementing a policy of compact development.
“In deciding not to accept the Inspector’s recommendation to grant permission, the Board agreed with the Inspector that there were aspects of the proposed development that could be amended by condition but considered that the reduction in height of Block A, the omission of the first floor of Block B and the introduction of a car parking space to the front of the proposed development would materially alter the scheme and, in this particular circumstance, could not be dealt with by way of condition.”
