Overturned

The trees can stay for the time being! This time last year a hastily arranged public meeting brought the concerned Johnstown Community Residents together at the Ardboyne Hotel to discuss the planning application made for 5 apartment blocks on Metges Road.

An Bord Pleanala has now overturned the approval granted by Meath County Council 8 months ago.

In their decision letter (26/9/18) An Bord Pleanala provided reasoning for overturning the planning permission and they included the following negative statements which compare well to the groups objections:

predominance of ground level parking
elevational and boundary treatments to Metges Rd
proximity of development to the boundary and western tree line
lack of permeability across the site
lack of adequate open space in terms of quality, nature and location
the proposed development would constitute a substandard form of urban development
would not be in accordance with the design and layout guidance

What was especially interesting to read was their final statement:

'The proposed development would therefore seriously injure the amenities of the area and of property in the vicinity and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.'

Source: 26/9/18, ABP-300959-18, PA Reg Ref: NA/170997

Winners

A full year after the initial Public Meeting where nearly 500 local people objected to this specific development. Now Johnstown Community can breath a sigh of relief and those living in closest proximity at the Priory and Bailis Village are understandably delighted with the outcome.

It is thanks to a few key residents that Johnstown has not had to bear the brunt of an overdeveloped plan.

Losers

On one hand homes are desperately needed throughout Ireland but on the other hand Residents see Johnstown's rapid development overwhelming the resources currently available. The developer will one day gain permission for a more suitable proposal, one which is appropriate in scale and density to the location.

Community

Despite the lack of community facilities in Johnstown the land in question is zoned mixed development.

However, no one expects one single developer to fulfill the needs of the entire local area. We do all hope that they will at least propose something more than just homes and go some way to positively contributing towards enhancing our Community.

For the moment there is a wonderful avenue effect of trees lining the sides of Metges Road. It has unfortunately been eradicated by development further down.

Gardens at the bottom of the Bailis Village Apartments enjoy the sunshine and wildlife can remain in the woodland area opposite.

Having been granted Conditional Planning Approval the objections continue.

With more development comes more needed homes but with it comes more people and traffic.

Do you object?