A major residential scheme proposed for the junction of Williamstown Road and the Outer Ring Road has been refused planning permission by Waterford City & County Council.
The application, submitted by MKDB Developments Ltd., sought approval for 73 new homes and apartments in a mix of houses, duplex units and a four-storey apartment block, along with associated access, drainage and landscaping works.
In its decision issued on November 10th, the Council cited four key issues. The first related to road safety: planners found that the proposed entrance onto Williamstown Road would involve a steeply sloping access that could create a serious traffic hazard. They concluded that safe vehicle entry and exit had not been demonstrated and warned that allowing such an arrangement could set an unacceptable precedent for other developments.
The second issue concerned the impact on an existing neighbouring home northeast of the site. The internal estate road and footpath layout were considered too close to this property, raising concerns about overlooking, increased traffic movements and the potential for general nuisance. The Council stated it was not satisfied that the residential amenity of the neighbouring home would be protected.
Surface water drainage also proved a significant obstacle. Planners found that the drainage proposals lacked adequate detail and did not demonstrate a sustainable approach to managing runoff. Particular concerns were raised about retention basins featuring headwalls, which were deemed to pose unsafe sheer drops. The Council said the proposal conflicted with the Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022–2028, particularly its policies on Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
Finally, the application did not include confirmation from Uisce Éireann that it would be technically feasible to connect the development to the public water supply and foul sewer network. Without this assurance, the Council deemed the project premature and potentially prejudicial to public health.
As a result of these combined concerns, the development has been refused in its current form. The developer may now choose to revise the plans or appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
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