Green light for 16-unit Mayo town centre housing project

A PROPOSED 16-unit housing development in the heart of Balla has received the green light.

Located at The Square, the development is a mix of two- and three-bedroom townhouses and apartments.

Demolition of existing sheds and outbuildings, partial demolition of existing commercial buildings, the formation of a new development entrance and refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing commercial buildings are part of the plan.

The site is located on Main Street, Balla, and forms part of the traditional town Square.

It is characterised as a backland, brownfield site, located behind the main street and off the central square, with a total area of .0480ha. Part of the site consists of two-storey commercial property.

A submission to Mayo County Council explained that the application is part of a larger scheme by the applicants who intend to redevelop the majority of the 'block' along the Square and Main Street.

An existing park trail through a densely wooded area runs along the western boundary of the site.

This is part of the Balla Town Park walks and the path is currently only accessible from the town centre via the rear of the Square and the parks road.

The proposed development intends to open two new pedestrian routes onto the walk to open the town’s accessibility and permeability to its existing amenities.

The housing development, it was submitted, responds thoughtfully to its surroundings.

The central town centre location is a brownfield site, reflecting a commitment to urban regeneration and avoiding sprawl.