Locals demand their voices are heard on plans for new social housing development

Over 200 submissions have been lodged against a controversial social housing development in Ashbourne.

Meath County Council lodged a Part 8 planning application for the proposed development of 79 new residential homes on lands north of Ashewood Green and Ashewood Glen, Dunreagh, in Ashbourne earlier this year.

The development, to be called ‘Archers Glen’, will consist of 41 two bedroom houses with a further 34 one bedroom apartments.

In 2023 Meath County Council announced plans to build this fully social housing project under 179a, a section of planning law that allows local authorities to proceed with planning applications without the obligation to engage with the community.

The government introduced the emergency legislation in the same year to address the housing crisis. Under the regulations a local authority could build social or affordable housing on land they own bypassing the normal planning process.

Residents of Ashewood Green previously stated that they “refused to be bullied” by Meath County Council into accepting this new development that was being rushed through under temporary legislation without proper due diligence.

However, the Part 8 planning process now in place means that the council needs to get support of local councillors to be able to forge ahead and residents are hopeful that they will be met halfway and that the development will a mixed tenure of social and affordable housing although they claim to be so far “ignored” by Meath County Council.

Residents had outlined their worries about road safety issues already existing in the area that need to be addressed before any building work goes ahead.

Last year the Housing Minister issued guidance on how housing should be build within the state. In the “Design Manual for Quality Housing” building housing estates consisting solely of social housing units is not recommended.

“Residents of Ashewood and the wider Ashbourne area have had their say and have serious concerns about this development,” said a spokesperson for Ashewood Sub Committee.

“From the outset we wish to make it clear that we are not against development of this site but there are major concerns which need to be addressed before any planning is granted. These requests are to ensure and they mainly centre around, in the Ashewood estate: the tenure mix, road safety issues and sewerage issues.”

The residents group say that all they asking for is that the mixed tenure guidelines that are set by the government be adhered to.

“The safety issues need to be addressed and as a matter of common decency and to ensure the safety of our residents. Again we have tried to engage with Meath County Council but to no avail.

“In the wider Ashbourne area issues centre around amongst other traffic congestion, public open recreation spaces and lack of childcare places.

“Meath County Council have made a lazy attempt to justify that there is ample green space and school space available in their planning documents.

“They have listed playgrounds in private estates and green spaces which are part of other estates as available recreation space. These green spaces are not adequate nor are they maintained by Meath County Council.”

Ashewood Sub Committee say that it is well documented that Ashbourne has “a chronic shortage of recreational greenspace” for the existing population and a couple of greens dotted around nearby estates is not sufficient for a town the size of Ashbourne.

“In relation to the schools they have listed they are all full and most have stopped operating waiting lists. In the case of one pre school- little ruggers- it is no longer open and hasn't been in over a year. This shows the attitude towards Ashbourne and the extent of the research carried out by Meath County Council.

“We are now calling on all our representatives both national and locally to ensure that we the residents of Ashewood and wider Ashbourne are listened to and this build is not allowed go ahead until our wishes are granted.”

Meath County Council has been contacted for comment