Green light for 60 new homes in Carndonagh

Planning permission has been granted for a major new housing development of 60 houses and apartments in Carndonagh, with 12 of those homes to be transferred into the ownership of Donegal County Council.

Developer Derek McLaughlin has been granted permission for the development at Moss Road, Churchland Quarters. The project includes 12 apartments, 30 semi-detached houses, and 18 terraced houses arranged in six blocks.

The development will be situated opposite the established Cherry Avenue and Cedar Grove estates and includes 115 car parking spaces, with three designated for disabled residents. 

The planning authority granted permission subject to 28 conditions, aimed at ensuring safety, sustainability, and quality of life for future residents. These conditions include strict adherence to the approved plans, completion of roads, footpaths, cycleways, public lighting, water, and sewer connections before the first homes are occupied, and the installation of underground electrical and telecommunications services.

Landscaping will play a major role in the development, with communal green spaces and gardens required to be fully drained, graded, and cleared. At least 20 semi-mature native broadleaf trees are to be planted, and any plants that die within three years must be replaced.

Traffic and pedestrian safety measures are also be enforced, with signage and road markings to be installed before residents move in.

Construction is to be carefully managed to minimise disruption, with working hours restricted to weekdays between 8am and 6pm and Saturday mornings from 8am until 2pm. During construction, the developer is to ensure that all materials being disposed of offsite should be disposed of at a licensed waste disposal facility.

The development also addresses environmental and heritage concerns. A Natura Impact Statement accompanied the planning application, and a qualified archaeologist must assess the site and carry out any necessary excavations before work begins.

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Financial and community contributions are also part of the approval. The developer will pay over €121,000 in public infrastructure contributions and an additional €35,000 for recent footpath improvements on the Moss Road and Churchtown areas of Carndonagh by DCC Roads. 

Another condition laid down by Donegal County Council is that a security bond totalling €300,000 is required to guarantee the completion of roads, services, and communal areas.