*Chapel Street in Tulla.
PLANS FOR 39 HOUSES to be built at a site on Church Road in Tulla have hit a snag with Clare County Council.
The planning authority has requested further information in relation to the proposed development located just off Chapel Street in the East Clare village.
Objections range from fears of substandard fencing to potential disruptions to funeral services, leaving the future of the housing scheme uncertain.
Woodhaven Developments Ltd had lodged plans to build thirty nine houses in Tulla. This was to be comprised of thirty two two-storey semi-detached dwelling houses, two two-storey detached dwelling houses, four single storey semi-detached dwelling houses and one detached single storey dwelling house.
Construction firm Woodhaven are currently developing lands in Cluain Fia Crusheen, Radharc an Chnoic Tulla and Radharc an Dun Shannon.
The company has completed developments at Creggaunnahilla Clarecastle, Ballymacaula, Ennis, Cluain Fia Crusheen, Radharc an Dun Shannon resulting in 265 plus new housing units over the last eight years. They have a further 160 units under construction in Clare at present.
The company also outlines the economic impact of the Tulla development as they estimate that work will be completed within 30 months, allowing for an investment of over €13million and the creation of at least 46 jobs.
The planning authority has found issues arising from a lack of proper road signage in the plans and has ordered that “a detailed signing and lining plan is required which must be in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual. The internal junctions, shown hatched on the Site Layout Plan, must be raised tables. Revised levels and proposals are required”.
A number of people have also objected to the proposed development. Chartered engineer Michael Duffy of Kilfenora has issued an objection on environmental grounds. A number of issues related to waste management have been highlighted. “The application does not indicate the volume and/or tonnage of C&D waste arising from the proposal. The application does not state the volume and/or tonnage of waste to be removed from the proposed site. The application does not designate any licensed or certified waste facilities to be used”.
The site’s original owner, Michael O’Halloran, has objected to the development over a border dispute on the north side of the site. While not opposed to the proposed development in principle, Mr O’Halloran feels that the materials used to fence off this section of the site are of insufficient quality and that the timber panels and concrete poles “will rot within a few years, and are therefore not suitable for use at this location”.
James O’Halloran, proprietor of O’Halloran Funeral Directors in Tulla, has also expressed boundary concerns, relating to the proposed houses potentially encroaching onto his premises. He also stated “I demand that no rock breaking or machinery is operating during the time that a funeral would be taking place. This is out of respect for the dead and mourning families”.
Local farmers Kevin and Margaret Scanlan have also objected on the grounds of border fencing. The couple, whose lands border the site, state that “The proposed boundary is not acceptable to us. It consists only of 1.2mm ranch railing. It is not suitable for the safety of adults, children, livestock or household animals, i.e. dogs, which could stray onto our land”. They instead propose that a stronger concrete boundary 1.8m in height be installed.
Woodhaven Developments Ltd have yet to provide the further information requested.
