Ardee housing refusal appealed as developers seek approval
By ArdeePost Reporter
Appeal Lodged After Refusal of 45-Home Development in Ardee
An appeal has been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála against Louth County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a proposed 45-unit residential development in Ardee. The application, submitted by MRM Structural Limited, sought approval for a mix of houses and apartments at The Blackridge, Townparks, just outside the town centre.
The developer’s proposal, lodged in August, included 23 houses—made up of twenty three-bedroom units and three four-bedroom units—alongside 22 apartment units spread across three separate buildings. The apartments were to be configured as 11 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom units, each block rising to two storeys.
Details of the Ardee Proposed Development
- Block A: 4 one-bed + 4 two-bed units
- Block B: 3 one-bed + 3 two-bed units
- Block C: 4 one-bed + 4 two-bed units
The proposal also included:
- A new vehicular and pedestrian access from The Black Ridge Road
- Upgraded sections of the existing access road
- In-curtilage and on-street car parking, including EV charge points
- Bicycle and bin storage facilities
- Internal access roads, footpaths, lighting and landscaping
- Communal and public open spaces, including a formal play area
According to the developer, the project aimed to deliver a modern, well-integrated housing scheme to address local demand, while incorporating sustainable travel and EV infrastructure.
Why Planning Permission Was Refused
On 20 October, Louth County Council refused the application, citing four key concerns.
1. Traffic Hazard & Road Safety
The Council determined the development would endanger public safety, highlighting multiple issues:
- Substandard road width and alignment
- Restricted visibility at junctions
- Road infrastructure “significantly below” safety requirements
- Insufficient space to incorporate cycle lanes, footpaths and safety buffers
The authority concluded the project would pose hazards to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike and was premature pending major road improvements.
2. Excessive Density
With a proposed density of 47 dwellings per hectare, the Council stated the development was:
- Excessive for this location
- Inconsistent with the pattern of nearby development
- Poorly laid out in terms of housing arrangement
3. Substandard Public Open Space
Concerns were also raised about:
- The design and surveillance of open spaces
- Potential negative impacts on residential amenities
- Insufficient integration of communal areas
4. Impact on Residential Amenity
The Council concluded that the cumulative issues would result in a substandard living environment for future occupants and negatively affect the wider area.
Developer Appeals the Decision
MRM Structural Limited lodged an appeal with An Coimisiún Pleanála on 17 November, challenging the Council’s findings. The appeal is now live, but no hearing date has yet been scheduled.
The outcome will be watched closely locally, as Ardee—like many towns across Louth—faces strong demand for housing but also increased scrutiny over road capacity, traffic safety, and infrastructure suitability. updates—to ensure that Ardee does not fall behind in Louth’s regional transport development.
