Dunnes Stores refused planning permission for urban farm in Cork

Boarded by the Ballyhooly Road and the North Ring Road, the 1.42-hectare site would be re-purposed as an urban farm focused on market gardening, agroforestry, and educational activities.

Lands north of the Glen River were to be used for market gardening — the cultivation of fruits and vegetables — and include a polytunnel, a re-purposed shipping container to be used as a canteen and toilet, and crop growing areas.

To the south of the river, an Agroforestry System was proposed, comprised of trees with understorey crops of fruit, flowers and vegetables. The trees were to be selected to provide crops of fruits.

Ancillary works including parking, access, rain harvesting barrels, fencing and a small bridge were all proposed too.

However, planners at Cork City Hall have blocked the scheme. In the decision order, it is noted that the site forms part of an ecological corridor along the Glen River and includes habitats that support protected species.

Planners say they are not satisfied that the proposed development would not have a negative impact on these species, which include otters.

Elsewhere, a plan to revamp the upper floors of a Cork City office building for residential use has been approved.

Swiss Property Management Limited has been granted permission to revamp number 67-69 South Mall, home of Lilly, Bank of Ireland and Canada Life, among others.

The proposal includes the demolition of some internal walls and the partial demolition of external walls on the building’s sixth floor and ground floor.

These works are designed to facilitate the construction of some 17 apartments. Additionally, the development would see the refurbishment of a commercial unit on the ground floor.