*The site at St Brendan’s Road in Lisdoonvarna.
PLANS FOR SIXTY HOUSES in Lisdoonvarna have been lodged with Clare County Council.
Corofin based Summit Developments have applied for planning permission for the construction of sixty houses on a site on St Brendan’s Road in Lisdoonvarna. This is comprised of twenty six two-bedroom units, thirty two three-bedroom units and two four-bedroom units.
The proposed development is designed to meet a number of objectives of the governments ‘Housing For All’ scheme, including rural regeneration and connectivity.
Vincent Hannon Architects who have designed the development, state in their design statement that “the scheme focuses on designing streets as vibrant places rather than mere passageways. By enhancing streetscapes with thoughtful landscaping, street furniture and active frontages where residents can gather and interact”.
“At the heart of the project is a beautifully planned village green, a focal point for residents and the wider neighbourhood. This green space serves as not only a place for relaxation, play and social interaction but also as a key biodiversity haven, enhancing the local environment and bringing nature right to the residents’ doorsteps”.
In response to the risk of a loss of privacy to local residents living adjacent to the site, Vincent Hannon Architects outlined, “The masterplan designs ensures that the new development backs onto these rear gardens, providing a secure boundary while maintaining privacy for existing residents”. The applications notes that the site also slopes from north to south and west to east, which could lead to difficulties during construction if planning permission is granted.
934 is the population of Lisdoonvarna as per the 2022 Census. Other constraints to the development include the risk of loss of privacy to the local residents who live adjacent to the site.
Creating a sense of community is at the centre of the development’s plans. The proposed village green is designed to foster a sense of community spirit in Lisdoonvarna by ensuring that “residents feel connected to the communal space, with many homes benefitting from views and direct access to the green, enhancing the overall living experience”.
The area has a successful planning history with a supermarket and hardware store granted permission and successfully built close to the site as well as a further sixteen house development constructed in the last twenty years.
Potential economic benefits have been flagged in the application. “While Lisdoonvarna’s economy relies heavily on seasonal tourism, a new residential development would help address these issues by attracting a diverse demographic, including young families and professionals”.
Clare County Council is due to make a decision on the development by the 3rd of June 2025.
