Cork planners have granted conditional permission for a large-scale residential development at Pope’s Hill in The Glen, bringing 103 new homes to the city’s northside. The project requires the demolition of four existing dwellings, three of which are derelict, to make way for a mix of townhouses and duplex apartments situated about 400 metres from the centre of Blackpool village.
Pope’s Hill Development Breakdown and Social Housing Allocation
The approved scheme splits the 103 units almost evenly between townhouses and duplex apartments. The townhouse portion features three two-bed units, 39 three-bed units, and eight four-bed units. Meanwhile, the apartment blocks comprise 18 one-bed units, six two-bed apartments, and 29 three-bed units.
According to the developers, 21 of these newly built homes will transfer directly to Cork City Council for social housing use. The project also incorporates a creche designed to accommodate 38 childcare places. The site adjoins existing residential developments along Pope’s Road and the Military Cemetery Park.
Northside Regeneration and Surrounding Infrastructure Upgrades
In their official planning statement, developers outline their goal for the Pope’s Hill project to contribute to local rejuvenation and deliver a residential neighbourhood of an appropriate scale. This urban renewal aligns with broader investments on Cork’s northside, notably a multi-million euro overhaul of nearby retail infrastructure.
Over €2.5 million was recently spent upgrading the Blackpool Shopping Centre. That retail hub currently houses 60 businesses supporting nearly 2,000 jobs. A comprehensive upgrade to the centre’s structure forms part of a long-term strategy to attract new retailers and customers, running parallel to plans for a brand new train station slated for construction directly adjacent to the shopping complex.
East Cork Mill Conversion Approved Despite Local Objections
An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved plans for a large-scale residential development at the former Ballinacurra Mill site near Midleton in East Cork. Despite traffic congestion, flood risk, and construction impact concerns raised by local residents during the appeals process, the board granted a green light for 128 homes on the 3.7-hectare site.
The East Cork project involves demolishing several structures, including three vacant dwellings, an outbuilding near Eastville House, and a rear extension to Rosehill House. The resulting 128 units include 103 houses and 25 apartments. Developers will construct 92 new houses ranging from two to three storeys, consisting of 39 two-bed units, 36 three-bed units, and 17 four-bed units.
Additional housing is achieved through adaptive reuse. The plans involve converting existing structures into eight houses—one three-bed dwelling in the Rosehill House outbuildings, plus three two-bed and four three-bed dwellings inside the mill buildings—alongside the repair and conservation of Rosehill House itself. The remaining 25 apartments stem from the conversion of the mill building structures.
Commercial Amenities and Historic Preservation Conditions
The East Cork development extends beyond residential units. The approved plans include a 34-space creche, a cafe, retail units, an office unit, a ground-floor medical centre unit, 214 parking spaces, 114 cycle spaces, and charging spaces.
An Coimisiún Pleanála attached revised conditions to the Midleton-area project following local appeals. These binding terms require the developer to stabilize the historic buildings on site and maintain a detailed record of all surviving interior fabric within the old mill structures.
Did you know? Both the Pope’s Hill and Ballinacurra Mill projects combine new construction with the adaptive reuse of derelict structures, pairing modern housing delivery with historic building conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many homes are approved for Pope’s Hill in Cork?
Permission has been granted for 103 new homes, split between townhouses and duplex apartments, along with a 38-place creche.
How many social housing units will be provided at Pope’s Hill?
A total of 21 homes will be transferred to Cork City Council for social housing.
What is planned for the Ballinacurra Mill site in East Cork?
An Coimisiún Pleanála approved 128 residential units, combining new-build houses with apartments and converted historic structures, alongside retail, office, and medical facilities.
Stay Updated on Cork Development News
Have thoughts on these new residential projects? Drop a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest planning updates across the region.