Objectors to a £12 million holiday development in Youghal, Co Cork, told a public inquiry yesterday that hillsides overlooking the town would become a "concrete ghetto" if the two-phase scheme goes ahead.
Youghal Urban District Council has granted planning permission to Carleton Developments Ltd for 72 apartments in three blocks at O'Brien's Place, overlooking the town and harbour. A second, linked scheme at Prospect Farm proposes to provide 95 houses, a leisure centre, swimming pool, tennis courts and children's playground on an 11-acre site.
A residents' group and several individuals have appealed to Bord Pleanala against planning permission being granted. One objector, Mr Peter Sagar, said the developments "will not be commercially viable. They will turn into a concrete ghetto that will be sold off cheaply as derelict housing in five or six years' time."
Counsel for the residents' group, Mr Willie Walsh, said the main grounds of objection were that the development contravenes the UDC's development plan; that it would have a detrimental visual impact; and that the infrastructure was inadequate, particularly the water supply, sewerage system and roads.
Mr Tom Phillips, planning consultant for the developers, said the company's first scheme in Youghal, the £5 million Carleton Wharf, comprising 51 waterfront apartments, was very successful. The company's total investment in Youghal between Carleton Wharf, O'Brien's Place and Prospect Farm would be £17 million.