Controversial plans to build 74 homes in Kingston

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Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

A decision is due shortly on whether to grant approval for plans to demolish two buildings in Kingston and build 74 new homes in their place

Diagnostic Medical Imagine International Ltd is seeking permission to build three apartment blocks and 30 houses with a total of 74 homes at Rosario on the Kingston Road.

This project would first involve the demolition of two houses and outbuildings on the site before any construction can take place.

It is then proposed to built three apartment blocks, between four and five storeys tall, with 20 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, and 6 three-bedroom apartments.

The project will also involve the construction of 8 four-bedroom, detached houses; 8 three-bedroom, semi-detached and terraced houses, and 14 four-bedroom, semi-detached houses.

A gym for residents and a new vehicular entrance to the site would also be built as part of this project.

These plans have been heavily opposed by local residents, with the city councils receiving objections from dozens of people.

These include a letter signed by 20 residents of the neighbouring Garrai de Brun estate and another from 15 residents of Manor Drive.

The Garrai de Brun residents object to a provision in the application referring to a “Potential Future Pedestrian Link” to existing housing developments, meaning them.

The residents said they were worried that this could increase anti-social behaviour and led to their estate being used as a rat run by cyclists and pedestrians.

However, Galway Cycling Campaign has said that greater permeability for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians with neighbouring estates should be included in the design at this stage.

Concerns have also been raised about the density of the development and the increased traffic it would bring to the Kingston road, saying that it would pose a road safety hazard.

Diagnostic Medical has proposed transferring seven apartments to the city council to satisfy its Part V Planning obligations.

Galway City Council council is due to make a decision on whether to grant planning permission for this development by December 18.