Ardee planning update: 45 homes refused, Musgrave approved
By ArdeePost Reporter
Mixed outcomes for planning applications in Ardee
Louth County Council has issued two major planning decisions for Ardee in recent days, with contrasting outcomes. While a proposed 45-home residential scheme at The Blackridge has been refused permission, retail giant Musgrave Limited has received approval for a redevelopment project on Market Street.
45-home development refused over safety and design concerns
In August, MRM Structural Limited submitted an application for a new housing development at The Blackridge, Townparks, Ardee. The plans included 20 two-storey and three three-storey houses, along with 22 apartment units arranged across three buildings. In total, the project proposed 20 three-bedroom units, three four-bedroom units, 11 one-bedroom, and 11 two-bedroom apartments.
The proposal also featured new vehicular and pedestrian access from The Black Ridge road, upgraded footpaths, on-street and in-curtilage parking, EV charging infrastructure, and landscaped public spaces including a formal play area.
However, Louth County Council refused the application on October 20, citing four main reasons.
The first related to traffic safety, with the Council stating that the development “would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard,” given that the existing road network is “substandard in terms of width, junction alignment, and visibility.”
The local authority concluded that the current roads fall “significantly below the minimum standards required” to accommodate the expected increase in traffic. It also noted that there was “insufficient scope to upgrade the road infrastructure” to include active travel measures such as cycle lanes or additional footpaths.
A second concern focused on density and design, with the Council deeming the proposed 47 dwellings per hectare (dph) as excessive for the location and “inconsistent with the prevailing pattern of development.” Officials also cited concerns over the layout, quality, and surveillance of public open spaces, saying that it would result in a “substandard form of development” detrimental to both future residents and the surrounding area.
The decision represents a setback for housing expansion in Ardee, highlighting ongoing challenges around infrastructure capacity and sustainable planning.
Musgrave given green light for Market Street redevelopment
In contrast, Musgrave Limited has been granted planning permission for its proposed redevelopment of the former Lanney’s Supermarket site at Market Street and the rear of Market Street, Ardee.
The approved plans include the demolition of an existing warehouse-type building that once formed part of the old SuperValu store, as well as the creation of a new shopfront, reopened archway, and restoration of first-floor windows on the rear (west-facing) elevation.
A key feature of the development will be the ungated pedestrian link through the existing archway, connecting Market Street to lands at the rear, thereby improving foot access and local connectivity.
Additional plans include 37 car parking spaces (including nine EV charging points and one accessible space), 12 bicycle spaces, and enhancements such as landscaping, lighting, and boundary treatments.
After initially requesting further information in April, Louth County Council granted permission on October 17, subject to 12 planning conditions.
This project marks a positive step in the ongoing revitalisation of Ardee’s town centre, breathing new life into a landmark site that has remained underused in recent years.
Balancing growth and infrastructure in Ardee
These two contrasting decisions reflect the delicate balance between promoting development and ensuring appropriate infrastructure in Ardee. While there is clear demand for new housing, the Council’s stance emphasises the need for safe, sustainable, and well-planned growth aligned with the town’s existing road and transport network.
At the same time, the approval of Musgrave’s proposal signals confidence in Ardee’s potential for commercial renewal, with improvements that are expected to enhance pedestrian movement and town centre vibrancy.
As development pressures continue across mid-Louth, planning authorities and developers alike will face the challenge of aligning ambition with infrastructure capacity — ensuring Ardee grows in a way that benefits both residents and businesses alike.
