Mallow, Cork County’s biggest town, is set to grow even larger as new housing developments push ahead against the backdrop of the ongoing housing crisis.
Plans for almost 470 new homes have been given the green light despite opposition from residents who argued the project was premature without appropriate infrastructure. An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted permission for 469 residential units at Castlepark, St Joseph’s Road, on the eastern side of the town centre.
The large-scale development, brought forward by Reside (Castlepark) Limited, will deliver 305 detached and semi-detached houses, townhouses, and bungalows, along with 164 apartments and duplexes in buildings of up to three storeys. The 18.2-hectare site also includes a creche, a community room and an interpretative centre/café, while 94 of the homes will be reserved for social and affordable housing.
Residents from St Joseph’s Road and Aldworth Heights appealed the project, but their objections were dismissed. The Commission ruled that the site was zoned for housing and the plans met acceptable standards in terms of design, density, layout, and traffic. It concluded the scheme would not seriously harm local amenities or neighbouring properties.
Despite this, concerns remain about the impact such a large development will have on local services and facilities. Many believe infrastructure should be improved before further housing is added.
The Castlepark scheme is one of several projects in the pipeline for Mallow. The long-discussed Ballydaheen social housing development, originally due to start in August, appears to have been delayed That project will deliver 46 homes, 10 three-bed houses and 36 apartments, all to be acquired by Cork County Council for social housing.
As Mallow continues to expand, the central question remains whether infrastructure can keep pace with the town’s rapid growth.
