Not in my backyard? The reasons 120 homes have been blocked in Kilkenny in two years

The construction of over 120 houses and apartments were refused planning permission in Kilkenny between 2023 and 2024, despite the ongoing call for more homes to be built across the county and country as the housing crisis continues to burden many people trying desperately to make it onto the property ladder.

There were a number of medium and large residential developments proposed to Kilkenny County Council within this two-year period.

However, many were refused planning permission by the council and some faced fierce opposition from those living in the proposed areas of development.

Six planning applications for the construction of homes and apartments across Kilkenny particularly stand out from this time in terms of the impact they could have had on the housing need in Kilkenny.

These include a proposal for 13 houses in Castlecomer in December 2022, a housing development comprising of 43 homes in Freshford also in December 2022, another development of 43 homes in Callan in May 2023, a residential development consisting of 10 dwellings in Thomastown in November 2023, the construction of 12 apartments in Kilkenny City in February 2023, and the construction of a three-storey residential building comprising of 1 apartment and 1 duplex also in Kilkenny City at the end of 2022.

Although it appears that most of these applications were made in 2022 and 2023 - which they were - the decision process carried on for months and spilled into 2024 for many, hence the time period in focus. It's also worth mentioning that applications for the construction of single unit homes or the conversion of garages etc. for residential purposes have not been included here.

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Five out of the six applications for these residential developments faced objections predominantly from those living in the areas where the developments were proposed for. This is despite the nationwide call for more homes to be built to tackle the never-ending housing crisis, perhaps revealing a 'not in my backyard' mentality.

Of course, many had valid concerns regarding some of the applications. However, some issues raised by local residents show a greater concern for the value of their own property and appearance of the local area than the pressing need to address the shortage of homes in the county.

One issue which was consistently raised among the many objections to the developments, and one that is not unique to Kilkenny, was the potential of these developments damaging the 'character of the area.' It may seem like a vague reason to some, but it did factor into the final decision process for the council regarding some of the developments. 

In fact, the construction of 25 houses and apartments in Kilkenny were blocked with this being among the reasons cited for refusal. The 2023 planning application for 12 apartments to be built on Friary Street in Kilkenny was met with such objections about the possible impact it would have on the character of the area. In the letter of refusal from Kilkenny County Council, the archaeological impact of the development was listed as well as the council arguing that its design approach would "detract from the medieval character and archaeological heritage of the City."

The construction of 13 homes on Barrack Street in Castlecomer was also refused as the design of the development clashed with the character of the area, as well as water connection issues.

The proposal for 43 homes on Bohercrussia Street in Tobernapeastia, Freshford was met with similar concerns regarding the character of the area, with some residents requesting more information on the materials that were to be used in the construction so that they could be assured it would "contribute positively to the appearance of the area." 

Even smaller developments such as the one proposed for Patrick Street in Kilkenny which comprised just one apartment and one duplex unit was objected to on the basis of it potentially having an "overbearing visual impact."

This issue often led into or was directly tied with concerns regarding the protection of local heritage. This was a very common objection and reason for refusal in Kilkenny. It was observed that people regularly objected if proposals were seeking to demolish older structures as part of their plans - a reasonable and valid point.

There was also the case in The Rower, Raheenduff, Thomastown wherein there was widespread support from the community for the demolition of a derelict structure in order for the development of 10 new homes to take place. Letters were sent to the council from the parish priest, residents and also a councillor from the area in an effort to support the plans and prevent "rural decay." The letters demonstrated the local appetite for revitalising the area, improving footfall in the village and for developing the derelict building, described as an "eyesore" by locals. 

There was only one objection to the development and it was based on maintaining the heritage of the area. The plans were ultimately refused with this concern among the reasons listed.

Arguably, the most frustrating point for those struggling to join the property ladder is people objecting to new homes being built due to developments potentially causing their own homes to "depreciate in value." Again, this is not unique to Kilkenny as it is a prevalent objection to new developments right across the country.

Although this particular issue was not listed in any rejected proposal as a reason for refusal, it may show the mentality of 'not in my backyard.' These objectors often said they supported more housing due to the housing crisis, but clearly they didn't want any progress in their own areas.

A local issue which stood out among the proposals during this time was a lack of adequate water and wastewater infrastructure to cater for more homes in some parts of the county. The 13-home development in Castlecomer was refused on this basis, as well as the issue with the design clashing with the character of the area.

This particular proposal highlighted issues with Uisce Éireann and the Local Authority not allowing the developer to supply their own water supply in the absence of adequate connections and no future plans to rectify the issue. The Planning Report also suggested it’s an issue in other parts of Kilkenny.

The construction of 10 homes in Thomastown was also refused on this basis, as the council stated that it was not an area eligible for wastewater treatment investment. This means that water connection issues was cited as a reason for refusal for 23 homes during this time.

In Freshford, local residents objected to the development of 43 homes as they argued that existing homes in the area faced constant issues with water pressure and so they had reasonable concerns that the construction of more homes would further exacerbate the problem.