Council positive, but more info sought on major Letterkenny development

While a decision on planning permission for one of the biggest ever developments in Letterkenny has been paused, Donegal County Council remains in support of the project. 

The ambitious development would see the construction of six-story, four-story and two-storey buildings that will include 154 student bedrooms, 13 apartments, a restaurant and a church

A decision was due last week on the application by M&B Kelly Partnership.

The Council has sought further information from the applicant, who now has six months to submit revised plans and sections

In a lengthy document sent to the developer, - schedule deals with a total of 22 points to note.

These include the inclusion of a public cycle park and the incorporation of a future cycle path. 

The Council has sought clarity on various sections of the proposal - including the feasibility of two retail units - and say that three units in the student blocks are to be fully inclusive. 

However, the Council has made it clear that it is in favour of the development proceeding. 

“The Planning Authority has no objections in principle to the scale and density of the overall proposal,” a letter to the applicant said. 

Although some concerns were raised regarding a possible level of ‘overdevelopment’, the document states that ‘these aspects can be overcome and resolved’.

It is suggested that this can be done through the provision of a basement car park, a reduction in levels, a marginal reduction in floorspace, and an improved internal layout in order to improve the residential quality of the scheme.

The Council says it is positive towards the development ‘in light of the potential of this site to result in a landmark building within a key location within the town centre, its location opposite the existing bus station, and next to a possible future Transport Hub, alongside its proximity to ATU and overall, to the demand for student housing, private and social housing across Letterkenny.’

The site in question is 0.934 hectares of land, which is bounded by Port Road, Pearse Road, Isle Lane and an existing yard. The land, adjacent to the Station Roundabout, has been zoned for commercial use.

If the green light is given, Gleneany House, the existing Baptist Church and other buildings on the site will be demolished to make way for the new development, which will include the provision of a new Church.

William Donogue & Associates Ltd were appointed as designers.

They say that the development will be a 'significant economic boost to the town both in the construction phase and when the scheme is operational'.

The firm say that the development is 'an exciting, contemporary, high-quality, mixed use development that contributes to the local environment' and the plans have been put together in accordance with the Letterkenny 2040 masterplan.

The project will include the construction of 154 student bedrooms, 13 apartments and a raft of office spaces and retail units.

The development would front onto Port Road, Pearse Road and Isle Lane.