What has been referred to locally as the development of ‘New Portlaw’ has been objected to by the Provincialate of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny, who run a nursing home in the village.
Applicants Breen White initially applied to Waterford County Council for the construction of 35 single storey detached houses, 136 two-storey semi-detached houses, 96 two-storey terraced houses in the Tannery Town.
The applicants also sought to build 11 single storey detached and 38 single storey semi-detached retirement dwelling houses as part of a new nursing and convalescent home for the town and its environs.
This would amount to a total of 326 new homes in Portlaw, a sizeable development by urban standards and massive within a rural context.
And the proposal didn’t end there. Among its other aspirations were:
* Three single storey retail buildings containing three retail units per building
* A single-storey childcare facility
* A two-storey community centre featuring two five-a-side soccer pitches
* An office block with four office units
* A new bar
* A new restaurant
* A new arts and crafts centre and
* A new fitness centre.
The project has been proposed for a site situated between Curraghmore Estate and road known locally as ‘The Scrouty’, one of the older routes that leads from the town to Carrick.
Conditional planning (with no less than 56 separate conditions) was subsequently granted to the applicants for a total of 240 dwellings.
The planning also permitted for 37 other dwellings earmarked for the planned retirement home, a service station, a crèche, a community centre and a five-a-side pitch and a neighbourhood GP’s clinic.
Appeals to the development have been received by An Bord Pleanála from the Sisters of Cluny, along with Kevin and Stasia Coughlan and Others. The case is due to be decided by September 21st.
