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Knockalla families express fears
over proposed build
30.09.08
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A COMMUNITY of 24
families in Buncrana have said they are "frightened"
that a proposed development close to their homes
will have a negative effect on their quality of
life. The Knockalla Drive Residents' Association are
appealing to local planners and engineers to turn
down a proposal for three two-storey terraced
townhouses with basement parking and one block of
four apartments on a 0.392 acre site behind their
homes in Ardaravan. The application also requests
permission to renovate an existing terraced house
from a three-bed to a two-bed property, which the
families do not oppose. |
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The residents' main
concern is that the development will require the
construction of two access roads to the site. One
access road would exit directly onto a narrow
service lane currently only used by a small number
of families to reach the back of their homes and to
receive deliveries of utilities such as coal and
gas. However, the second access road is the cause of
most concern to the group. It would exit just below
the service lane onto what the families describe as
"the square", where local children played over 25
years and which is now used by the grandchildren of
the former council estate.
Knockalla Drive Residents' Association (KDRA)
chairperson, Colm McLaughlin said the families were
"very frightened" about what the local planners
might decide.
"We are a community of 25 years' standing and we
feel we are entitled to the quality of life we've
had after all this time. We want to stress we are
not against development but we genuinely feel that
this is the wrong development for that small site
and this area," he said. The families have lodged a
signed petition with Buncrana Town Council. KDRA
treasurer Bridie McDaid has also lodged a personal
objection to the proposal. Her home is one of those
closest to the development site and she is also
concerned about the demolition of at least part of a
100-year old hedgerow to facilitate the build. She
said as well as providing key habitats for wild
birds and mammals, the mature hedgerow also offers
privacy to her and other residents. The developer
was contacted and offered a comprehensive right of
reply. This was rejected. |
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