Approval for 53 new homes a boost for east Mayo

A MAJOR housing development in east Mayo has been granted planning permission.

The decision allows for the construction of 53 homes at Lowpark in Charlestown by developers Dunleavy Building Systems Ltd.

The aim of the design is to create high-quality homes on spacious sites adjoined by large public open spaces. The design of the houses responds to local character with a variety of house designs and sizes.

Public spaces are considered as an integral element in the design of the development and will include safe children’s play areas.

Many of the proposed houses have views of a ringfort and central open space, a design statement submitted to Mayo County Council set out.

The proposed site access is from Chapel Road, at a point approximately 350 metres from the town centre.

The design statement set out how high demand in the area is generally for young people requiring two- and three-bed houses.

Some 33% of houses provided are two bedrooms and 45% of the units have three bedrooms. Two bedroom houses will also cater for single parents. And there are 11 bungalow houses to the front of the site to cater for elderly people, with 12 four-bedroom detached houses to alleviate the pressure to build one off dwellings in the countryside.

The proposed scheme blends into the existing fabric of the area and is sensitive to the existing buildings surrounding the development, while the mix of house types and sizes will promote a socially balanced and inclusive society.