Councillor supports Stranorlar apartment block planning application
Cllr Martin Scanlon adds support for three-floor Stranorlar apartment block application to Donegal County Council
A Donegal County Council has lent his support for planning permission to be sought from Donegal County Council for the construction of an apartment block in Stranorlar.
Cloghan-based Independent councillor, Martin Scanlon, has had a letter included in support of the proposed three-apartment building.
The listed applicant, Shane McLaughlin, has applied to Donegal County Council for the construction of an apartment block consisting of three two-bed apartments over three floors, along with connection to existing public services and associated site development works required to facilitate the development, which is to be situated between Railway Road and the N15.
Paddy O’Connor of PMC Architectural Services, in support documents, said the development was “a positive addition to the residential housing stock of Stranorlar.”
He wrote in a cover letter: “The proposed development has been carefully designed to provide a high-quality residential scheme that makes efficient use of the site while contributing positively to the surrounding built environment.
“The architectural approach adopts a modern yet restrained design, incorporating a combination of natural stone effect finishes, white rendered surfaces, contemporary glazing and recessed private balconies.
“The building's simple form, flat roof profile and carefully proportioned elevations provide a contemporary appearance, with variations in external finishes helping to break down the overall building mass.”
It continued: “The proposed development represents an opportunity to provide additional residential accommodation within the Stranorlar area, contributing to the ongoing demand for appropriately located housing.
“The provision of a small-scale apartment development offers an alternative housing option to traditional detached and semi-detached dwellings, potentially accommodating smaller households, single occupants and those seeking more manageable residential accommodation.
“The proposal seeks to make efficient use of available land and support the principles of compact residential development, consistent with the wider objectives of sustainable settlement growth and efficient land use.”
In a separate document, Cllr Martin Scanlon wrote: “I am acutely aware of the ongoing demand for additional housing throughout Stranorlar, Ballybofey and the wider Finn Valley area.
“The shortage of suitable accommodation continues to present significant challenges for young people, working individuals, couples and smaller households wishing to remain living within their local community.
“I believe that the provision of additional residential accommodation within established towns such as Stranorlar should be strongly encouraged, particularly where development is proposed on appropriately zoned lands.”
Cllr Scanlon added: “It is important that opportunities to deliver much-needed housing are facilitated, subject to the normal planning requirements.
“In my opinion, this proposal represents an appropriate form of small-scale residential development which supports the principles of compact growth, efficient land use and the provision of a greater variety of housing options within the town.
“Having considered the proposed architectural design, I believe the development would make a positive contribution to the surrounding built environment.
“At a time when housing demand remains high, I strongly believe that appropriately designed residential developments on suitably zoned lands should receive positive and proactive consideration from the Planning Authority.
“Small developments such as this have an important role to play in addressing local housing shortages and should be recognised for their contribution to overall housing supply.
“In conclusion, I wish to reiterate my full support for this application and respectfully request that Donegal County Council give it favourable consideration, having regard to the applicable land-use zoning, the established need for additional housing and the positive contribution the proposal could make to Stranorlar.”
Donegal County Council has announced a decision due date for the submitted planning application for December 23.