A retirement village proposed for the Headford area of Co Galway has been turned down by An Bord Pleanála.
The Planning Appeals Board rejected the development, stating that it would result in a poor standard of living for residents and would be an inappropriate extension of the village.
There has been a population surge in Headford in recent years, with a number of new residential estates being developed. Its close proximity (12 miles) to Galway city has made it an attractive location for commuters.
The proposed complex would have comprised 30 self-contained retirement homes as well as a nursing home and a day-care centre. Applicant Dennis Kenny had also sought planning permission for the demolition and reconstruction of a house on the site as well as ancillary works and a temporary treatment plant at Gortnamona, Headford.
Refusing permission, An Bord Pleanála stated that the development would be an inappropriate extension to Headford village and would result in a sub-standard living environment for residents. It maintained that the retirement complex would seriously injure the amenities of the area.
A number of planning applications have been submitted over the years for the Headford site, including a plan for over 100 houses, which was refused. Earlier this year, Galway County Council turned down the latest application. The county council's decision was subsequently appealed by Dennis Kenny.