99-home scheme proposed at Upper Main Street, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

In context

It is one of 113 housing scheme applications Wicklow County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 1,641 nationally. Of the 3,067 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% were granted.

What happens next

The five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Wicklow County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

a mixed-use development at this site (c.2.7ha). The site extends to the upper bank of the Avoca River walkway to the north, the railway line to the west and Arklow Castle, a national monument (WI040-029002), to the east. The development will consist of: Demolition of existing derelict buildings (1292 sqm). Construction of 99 residential units. Construction of a 350 sqm mixed use building of four storeys containing 350sqm of retail space at ground floor and residential units above. Refurbishment, extension and change of use from a derelict two storey house to a 146.3 sqm creche. Refurbishment of the former Ormonde Cinema (RPS. Ref. A39) for commercial use comprising 322.5 sqm office at first floor and 32 sqm office, 181 sqm lounge/café and 59 sqm café uses at ground floor. Relocation of a Victorian letterbox ( RPS. Ref. A40) within the scheme. Provision of public open space including a new amphitheatre, a new plaza, communal and private open space. Provision of internal access roads with vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist access and new vehicular access onto Upper Main Street. 169 no. car parking spaces and 196 no. bicycle parking spaces. Realignment of Coomie Lane to create a new pedestrian links between Vale Road, Upper Main Street and the River Avoca walkaway. All associated and ancillary site development works above and below ground. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report has been prepared in respect of the proposed development