University of Galway, Student Accommodation

PLANNING

University of Galway, Student Accommodation

MKO has secured planning permission for a Strategic Housing Development (SHD) scheme located on the University of Galway Northern Campus, Dangan, Upper Newcastle Road, Galway. The project was submitted under the SHD process, which allows applicants seeking permission for large-scale residential schemes of 200 or more student bed spaces to apply directly to An Bord Pleanála in a bid to cut down on the time it takes to make a decision.

Project challenges

The University campus has a restricted configuration, being confined and linear, extending outwards and northwards along the west side of the River Corrib from the city. The River Corrib and its associated Special Area of Conservation is located to the north of the development site. An archaeological monument, an unclassified ringfort, is located east of the site. Working in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary design team, MKO secured planning permission through the SHD planning process fto develop 125 no. apartments with 674 no. bedspaces.

MKO formed an integral part of the design team, providing planning advice from the project inception stage on the development strategy for the site, which is located on Community Facilities zoned lands within the Galway City Development Plan. The design includes a dedicated Biodiversity Enhancement Area outside the construction footprint, which will be managed to enhance biodiversity. A Habitat Management Plan has been prepared and outlines measures for enhancement, management and monitoring of the biodiversity of the site.