Appeals board approves nine-storey build-to-rent scheme for Cork

An Bord Pleanála has given permission for a nine-storey, 114-unit build-to-rent apartment scheme for Blackpool on the northern edge of Cork city.

The scheme is planned by Cork company Bellmount Developments Ltd for the site of Millfield service station, Redforge Road in Blackpool.

It comprises 77 one-bedroom apartments and 37 two-bedroom apartments, as well as facilities including a reception, residents’ gym, lounge area and shared workspace.

Initially, Bellmount Developments Ltd had proposed a 19-storey apartment scheme for the site, containing 161 build-to-rent apartments. The company reduced the height to nine storeys after a pre-planning consultation with An Bord Pleanála and Cork City Council. The council had highlighted concerns about a tall building in the context of Blackpool.

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The board inspector in the case involving the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) application for the 114-unit scheme, Daire McDevitt, said she was satisfied that the provision of build-to-rent apartments as part of the proposed scheme is suitable and justifiable at the location.

‘Viable solution’

"The proposal will provide a viable housing solution to households where home ownership may not be a priority. The residential type provides a greater choice for people in the rental sector, one of the pillars of Rebuilding Ireland, " she said. Rebuilding Ireland is a Government-backed mortgage scheme.

Ms McDevitt found that the proposed height at nine storeys materially contravened the Cork City Development Plan. She said, however, that she was satisfied the proposed development will not be unduly overbearing or have a significant adverse impact on the visual amenities,

Ms McDevitt also noted that the development would bring a “positive change” to the area. She said the planned quantum of residential development, residential density and tenure type was acceptable in the context of the location of the site in an area that is undergoing redevelopment.