Refusal for 22 homes at Marlbog Road in north Louth appealed

The decision by Louth County Council to refuse planning permission for 22 new homes at the Marlbog Road in Dundalk has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála).

Hollywood Developments Ltd was refused planning permission on 24 October for the development at Marlbog Road, Haynestown, Dundalk. The developer had sought the go ahead to construct, two detached, two-storey, four bed dwellings, along with 20 semi-detached two-storey dwellings. The 20 semi-detached dwellings comprised 11 three-bed dwellings and nine four-bed dwellings. 

The applicant was also sought the go ahead for associated car parking at surface level, the creation of a new access point from Marlbog Road to facilitate vehicular and pedestrian access, and the provision of internal access roads and footpaths and associated works.

In its decision to refuse planning permission, Louth County Council said that: “the proposed development fails to provide a safe and complete pedestrian connection to the existing public footpath network along Marlbog Road.

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“The applicant has proposed that Louth County Council deliver the remaining section of footpath required to connect the development to the existing network; however, the lands necessary for this infrastructure are not in the ownership of the Council, and the Council currently has no plans to carry out such works. In the absence of connectivity to the existing public footpath network, the proposed development would give rise to pedestrian safety concerns.”

It added that: “The proposal is therefore contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and to Policy Objective HOU 22, which requires that residential development be designed to promote walkability and connectivity, and to Policy Objectives MOV 25 and MOV 28, of the Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied), which seeks to ensure that pedestrian infrastructure is provided in a manner that supports safe, inclusive, and accessible movement for all users.”

Hollywood Developments Ltd lodged an appeal against the decision with An Comisiún Pleanála on 24 October. It is not yet known when the appeal will be heard.