An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for almost 600 new homes in the Rochestown area of Cork, despite being urged to refuse permission by the planning inspector who dealt with the case.
Local developers O'Brien and O'Flynn have been given permission to build a mix of houses and apartments on an 18-hectare site at Ardmore to the south of the city. Over half of the scheme will comprise detached and semi-detached houses.
A new roundabout on Rochestown Road also forms part of the plans. Sites for two creches and one nursing home have been reserved by the developers.
Upholding Cork County Council's decision to grant permission last June, the planning board ruled that the proposed development would not seriously damage amenities in the area or property in the vicinity.
In deciding not to accept the inspector's recommendations, the board said it took into account future road improvements to the Passage West/Rochestown Road.
Granting permission subject to 21 conditions, the planning board said the nursing home and a creche should be relocated.
The area reserved for the creche is to be made available for occupation before the occupation of the 150th house in the scheme, the board also specified.
The appeal was lodged by residents in the Passage West area.