Planning Permission Sought for 202 New Homes in Portlaoise
Concerned residents await clarity as a developer seeks planning permission for a large housing scheme in Portlaoise.
Laois developers Bircrest Ltd have submitted three separate planning applications covering phases 2, 3 and 4 of the Sand Wood estate at Summerhill, together proposing 202 new homes in the Portlaoise area, according to local reporting.
The applications break down into several elements: Phase 2 seeks 86 four‑bed houses plus six two‑bed sheltered units and follows 112 homes already constructed; Phase 3 proposes a creche alongside 74 houses; and Phase 4 is for 36 four‑bed, two‑storey houses, all situated within the same Summerhill development footprint.
Before planners can decide on the individual applications, Laois County Councillors are to consider a proposed material contravention of the Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027 at their December meeting, a step required to rezone the lands and allow the planning authority to proceed to determination.
Local coverage notes the proposals are under review by council planners and councillors, who will weigh planning permission, zoning changes and any implications for local infrastructure and services as part of their deliberations.
Documents and submissions on such schemes typically examine transport, drainage and environmental impact matters and may influence whether a housing scheme approval is granted without referral to An Bord Pleanála or results in appeals or conditions; the council’s material contravention process is a key gateway in that path.
The developer’s phased approach follows earlier construction at Sand Wood and includes social or sheltered housing elements in at least one phase, reflecting a mixed‑unit proposal rather than a uniform house count across all phases.
Residents and stakeholders seeking more detail can follow the Laois County Council agenda and planning files for the formal reports, which will outline planners’ recommendations, any flood‑risk development assessments, and whether the proposals represent a material contravention of policy before a final decision is made.
Originally reported in on Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:18:31 +0000. [Full story]
