PLANS for 120-bed nursing home and assisted-living accommodation in Kinsale have been approved by An Coimisún Pleanála which overturned an appeal by local residents.

Cork County Council granted planning permission to Peppard Construction Ltd in December of last year for the nursing home at Cappagh, Kinsale.

These plans include a duplex apartment building comprising 16 assisted living and 16 staff accommodation units. Permission for the proposed development was subject to 55 conditions.

An Coimisiún Pleanála said that 23 third party observations were received during the assessment of the application.

Residents who appealed said the site is within the zone of Archaeological Potential associated with the Battle of Kinsale 1601.

They said this is one of the most important battle sites in Irish history and it was imperative to complete a full and detailed archaeological survey before deciding to grant permissions.

The appellants reside opposite the proposed entrance and said that traffic generation and glare will ‘cause nuisance, diminish enjoyment of family home and devalue property.’

They also said the proposed development is ‘premature’ in the absence of the necessary upgrades of Uisce Éireann infrastructure and that the nursing home could be developed on a reduced site or in an alternative location so as not to sacrifice the only secondary school reservation in Kinsale.

They also noted that the applicants operates a number of International Protection Accommodation (IPAS) centres.

The planning authority concluded that the proposed development would comply with the applicable zoning objective and other policies and objectives set out in the County Development Plan 2022-2028.

Requirements include that the nursing home facility be used and operated for residential care purpose only and that the assisted living and staff accommodation units and/or bedrooms will not be amalgamated or combined.