Residents Rally Against Potential Bridgegate Access Through Cherrybrook
The Cherrybrook Residents Association has formally lodged a major objection with Louth County Council, expressing "widespread concern" over potential vehicular access to the proposed Bridgegate development.
The submission, filed under Planning Reference 2660055, reflects a community united against the possibility of their internal road network being used to serve a separate, large-scale housing scheme. Residents argue that Cherrybrook was designed solely for local traffic and is entirely unsuitable as a through-road.
"A Fundamental Change to Our Estate"
The core of the residents' objection lies in the preservation of the estate’s original design. Supporting documents submitted to the council suggest that current or future development layouts for the Bridgegate lands may consider connectivity to Cherrybrook—a move the association says would introduce risks the infrastructure was never meant to handle.
The submission highlights three critical issues:
- Traffic & Pedestrian Safety: Fears of significantly increased traffic volumes posing risks to children and elderly residents.
- Road Capacity: The existing network is not engineered to serve as a primary access route for an additional 264 dwellings.
- Residential Amenity: The quiet nature of the established area would be permanently altered by increased noise and disturbance.
Details of the Bridgegate Proposal
The application, submitted by Mulladrillen Limited, relates to a Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) at Bridgegate & Fir Rois. The project is a significant undertaking for the town of Ardee, featuring:
- Replacement of 48 duplex apartments with 40 two-storey houses.
- A total of 264 dwellings across the overall scheme.
- 483 car parking spaces and 630 cycle spaces.
- Reconfigured road layouts, landscaping, and a Natura Impact Statement.
Call for Independent Access
The Residents Association has called on Louth County Council to mandate that the Bridgegate site maintain its own dedicated and purpose-built access, entirely separate from Cherrybrook. They reference the Louth County Development Plan, which aims to protect established communities from developments that adversely affect safety.
Louth County Council has formally acknowledged the receipt of the objection. In a correspondence to the residents, the local authority confirmed that the submission will be taken into consideration before a final decision is reached.
What Happens Next?
The planning authority is now in the assessment phase. Once a decision is issued, residents will be notified and will retain the right to appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála should they feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed.