Seventy-seven new Mayo social homes approved - scheme must include affordable housing, councillors insist

PART 8 planning applications that will deliver 77 new homes in Castlebar have been approved by councillors in the municipal district.

They are social housing units - 13 at Ellison Street and 64 at Lawn Road - but councillors have expressed a view that at least 10 of the larger scheme should be available as affordable housing.

There was an effort to have that request written into the planning approval, but with fears expressed that this might hold up the development's progress, an amendment was rejected in a vote at the monthly municipal meeting.

A second vote followed in favour of adopting the part 8, supported by all members, with Councillors Michael Kilcoyne and Blackie Gavin saying it was 'subject' to the above.

The members were told how an affordable element was previously added to an adopted social scheme in Westport, and this can also be pursued in Castlebar.

Councillor Donna Sheridan expressed disappointment that Lawn Road did not include affordable housing, a view also echoed by Councillor Harry Barrett who said there is a 'chronic' need for affordable units.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Kilcoyne that at least 10 units be affordable.

However, municipal head David Mellett said what was before them was solely a planning matter for 64 units. Tenure was outside this.

The Lawn Road terraced homes development is at the rear of McHale Road and the intention is to have mixed tenure social tenants.

There were two submissions after the planning application was advertised. One concerned possible rat infestation when works start on site, which the council has given a commitment to deal with. The second concerned over-shadowing and overlooking, but this will not be an issue under the design. Balconies are all facing Lawn Road.

Councillor Cyril Burke said the Newport/Rathbawn side of town had seen a lot of development and he welcomed this project, bringing more balance.

Councillor Gavin, like Sheridan and Barrett, was supportive of the idea of affordable housing. However, a formal amendment would mean delaying the project, Councillor Burke warned.

Architect Matt Stevens explained how in Westport, the Part 8 was for social housing. A long-winded process followed with a separate department to bring in the affordable element.

He explained how two other sites are being looked at in Castlebar for affordable homes, which have potential to deliver 40 units.

Councillor Ger Deere suggested they kick on and get the development going and then fight for affordable units. Don't delay it, he implored.

“If it can be done in Westport, it can be done in Castlebar,” Councillor Barrett pointed out.

There is room for negotiations. The door is not closed, the members were assured.

Before the vote on the Kilcoyne amendment, Councillor Sheridan said she agreed with him on the affordable need but didn't want to delay the process. However, he didn't agree that he was going to hold it up.

Mr. Mellett said if the amendment was added, it meant they don't have planning and they would have to go back to the department, which means delay.

With the amendment defeated, the Part 8 planning application was unanimously approved.

The second Part 8 before members concerned the development of 13 apartments at Ellison Street. This project was also approved.

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