An Bord Pleanala has approved planning permission for a developer to complete an unfinished housing estate in a north Longford village.
Local residents in Aughnacliffe had appealed to the planning body to overturn the permission granted by the County Council in December of last year for 28 homes.
The Colmcille Residents Association lodged an appeal against this development at Forthill, Rathmore claiming that they had suffered due to the housing estate being unfinished following planning permission granted to the original developers in the mid 200s and did not want the situation to be repeated.
They also expressed concern that the homes would be used for social housing purposes by the County Council and suggested that at least 60% of the homes should be put on sale to the general public.
Concerns was also expressed by residents at the presence of Japanese Knotweed as well as worries over how the development would add pressure to local drainage and water treatment works.
The Planning inspector ruled that the development should go ahead - but subject to a total of nineteen conditions - including developing a detailed scheme for the eradication and/or control of Japanese Knotweed on the site.
The Inspector also claimed that the drainage works would be sufficient and the overall development would enhance Aughnacliffe village and enhance the viability of shops and public transport in the area.
