Dear Sir,
We are the owners of the Shopping Centre to the rear of the proposed development. This proposed development does not align with Carlow Planners stated objective of turning Barrack Street into a Pedestrian Retail Boulevard. We would not have seen own door social housing in the middle of a proposed retail area anywhere in Ireland.
While we understand the necessity for Social Housing and the urgency for same this is not the best use of this site which belongs to Carlow Town Council and provides an ideal opportunity to enhance the town centre.
These units should be developed as a retail opportunity.
If this proposal were to go ahead then it would be important to note that the occupants of this residential proposal will have to endure the noise from the traffic on Barrack Street and the noise from the Supermarket delivery yard to the rear. Any restriction on the use of the service yard due to this development would be detrimental to the future of Carlow shopping centre.
The development has increased the height of the previous buildings to the extent of the window cill level first floor of the proposed development is 4.2 meters whereas the original buildings the window cill level is 2.7 meters, the boundary wall is 3.25 meters which is inadequate to provide noise screening or shelter from the service yard.
We are also the owners of the access route into the service yard from Barrack street which should be incorporated in any retail development of this area. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss with the Planners any proposals for this area which is due for immediate incorporation into the My Carlow Plan Walkway Access through to Potato Market.
Regards,
Gwynne Thomas