Planning bid lodged for 42 new homes in Moate
Plans have recently been submitted to Westmeath County Council for a development of 42 homes in Moate.
The application by local firm Markayla Limited envisions 26 four-bed houses, with a mix of detached and semi-detached buildings, and two single semi-detached bungalows.
It would also include fourteen apartment dwellings, comprising seven two-bed ground floor units and seven duplex-style units.
The development is proposed for Jones Lake Road, to the west side of the Ard an Locha estate and south of the cycleway. Construction of another 35 houses is currently underway to the east of Ard an Locha.
A design statement for the development stated that it would offer "a range of dwelling types" in order to "avoid a monotonous arrangement lacking in character".
Markayla Limited's company director was listed as Barry Martin, c/o Michael Cuddy & Co, of Fry Place, Athlone.
The proposed site of the new housing has existing infrastructure of pipework for water and sewage in place since before the economic crisis.
It will also be accessible though Ard na Locha, or by pedestrians from the northern boundary along the cycleway.
The proposals include plans to retain existing quality trees and hedgegrows, the creation of green spaces in the site, and for houses to overlook all open spaces in order to discourage anti-social behaviour.
The site is close to the Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park to its northwest, the Moate Golf club to the northeast, the Moate Business College to the east.
As the proposed development would bound the closed Athlone-Mullingar railroad, Iarnród Éireann proposed 18 conditions to be imposed, should planning permission be awarded, in order to avoid any structural damage to the existing railroad.
The submitted documents indicate that the application is compliant with Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which provides for local authorities to acquire 20% of the land at existing use value and to utilise this land to deliver homes to those households who qualify for social and affordable housing support.
Westmeath County Council is expected to make a decision on the planning application by October 8.