Permission granted to complete unfinished Donegal estate 36 years on

Planning permission has been granted to complete an unfinished housing development in Greencastle, 36 years after permission was first approved to construct 14 homes.

Donegal County Council has approved plans by applicant Gerry Mullan to construct seven detached homes at Drumaweir, alongside the completion of outstanding infrastructure works within the partially developed estate.

Planning permission for 14 homes on the site was originally granted in 1990, with four houses subsequently built. Road infrastructure, footpaths, drainage, and public lighting were later installed following a further application in 1997 aimed at completing site works.

The latest application sought permission for seven houses with individual wastewater treatment systems and percolation areas, as well as the completion of infrastructural services, including footpath surfacing and the final road wearing course to benefit the existing homes within the development.

Despite planning permission previously being granted to erect 14 houses, there have only been four homes constructed, and it was outlined in the application that, because of increased standards in the development of wastewater treatment systems, particularly with separation distances, it is only possible to develop seven further houses within the housing development.

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Donegal County Council granted permission, subject to 26 planning conditions.

Among the conditions imposed, the developer must provide evidence of wayleave agreements or land ownership relating to any lands required for stormwater services or sightline access before development begins.

The council also stipulated that durable materials such as concrete or galvanised metal fence posts must be used for boundary treatments adjoining public spaces instead of close-board timber fencing.

A significant road safety condition requires the installation of a crash barrier along the southern side of the internal carriageway near the junction with the adjoining regional road. The barrier must extend for 70 metres and comply with Transport Infrastructure Ireland standards before any of the homes are occupied.

Strict wastewater treatment requirements were also attached to the permission. Each dwelling must have an independently certified treatment system designed for six people and maintained in line with Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Specific separation distances from boundaries, roads, watercourses, and neighbouring dwellings must also be observed.

The planning authority further ruled that the homes may only be used as permanent residences and cannot be operated as holiday homes or short-term rental accommodation without separate planning permission.

Another condition as part of granting permission was that Mr Mullan enter into an agreement with the planning authority that all residential units are to be sold to “individual purchasers” and not to be purchased by vulture funds or corporate entities.

The agreement may only be lifted if, after at least two years from completion, it can be demonstrated to the council that the homes cannot be sold or occupied by a non-corporate entity.