A proposal by McInerney Construction to build 40 houses at Druid's Glen Golf Resort at Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow has been challenged by a local man.

Charlie Keddy, with an address at nearby Kilcoole, said in his appeal to An Bord Pleanála that the area had to be protected which "is recognised in the Strategic Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area 1999. The developments that have already taken place are an eyesore."

The proposal is for 40 detached and terraced houses on a 6.86-hectare portion of the 400-acre estate using the existing access off Kilmullen Lane.

There are already clusters of residential development around the two golf courses at Druid's Glen which is situated between Newtownmountkennedy and Kilcoole.

In May, eight lodge-style houses - which were built by McInerney Construction with lake and parkland views - went on the market there with prices starting at €480,000. Buyers in that phase also got three years free membership of Druids Glen golf club and playing rights to Druids Heath, the second championship course in the popular estate.

The homes are sited close to the entrance of the five-star Druid's Glen Marriott Hotel and Country Club complex, leisure centre and fitness spa.

The first houses and apartments at the resort were launched five years ago. Druid's Glen won the "European Golf Course of the Year" award this year.