Go-ahead for eight house council project in Cross

AN eight-unit housing project in Cross, to be developed by Mayo County Council, has been granted planning permission.

The 1.09 hectare site is located in the townland of Cross West, on the north-eastern side of the village.

The development will comprise of eight semi-detached homes - five two-bed, two-storey dormer units and three three-bed, two-storey dormers.

An Bord Pleanála adjudicated on the application, receiving two local observations.

Concerns raised by Cross Community Council included that the proposal was designed to meet the housing needs of Cong, Cross and The Neale rather than the specific needs of Cross village. There was no need for eight houses in Cross.

The development had been designed in isolation and was not included as an integrated part of an overall development plan for the village. It appeared to have been based on land availability, with medical care, law enforcement, a post office, a playground and sports facilities not available in the village.

The volume and speed of traffic was also a concern, and issues about flooding were also raised.

In the event of the development being approved, they asked that the proposals be amended to include traffic calming measures and that the green area be used to provide a recreation and sports area for the village.

The board granted permission, subject to a number of conditions.

It found the development was acceptable in terms of visual amenities and the residential amenity for future occupants, would not be at risk of flooding, would not seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity, and was acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety.