To whom it concerns,

I am writing to formally object to Proposed Variation No. 2 to the Newbridge Settlement Plan, as outlined in the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 (as varied). I would like to object specifically to the proposed development labelled CP2 within this plan, the Cornelscourt area of Newbridge. There are a number of concerns that I wish to raise with you and how this proposal will indefinitely have a negative impact on the local environment, neighbouring community and the quality of life for the existing homeowners in this area.

I am a private homeowner with property that neighbours the proposed residential development. I believe that there has been little to no consideration made by those involved in developing this proposed plan for homeowners like myself. Given the developments that have already been completed and are in the process of being completed in the Newbridge area, it is clear that there has not been much consideration for those already living next to/bordering these developments. I am deeply concerned that the same is going to happen with this proposal of residential area in CP2 of this settlement plan. There are many apartment complexes, three-storey buildings and duplex apartments overlooking private homeowners within such developments, robbing private homeowners and families of their privacy while also resulting in overshadowing. There are serious issues with regards to sewerage, water pressure/supply and then the issue of estates not being taken over by the Kildare County Council. The proposal of a large development neighbouring this area will certainly heighten these issues and cause further negative impacts on existing properties and supply.

Beyond the impact that will be had on existing homeowners, there is an environmental impact, particularly on protected species such as our native buzzards who use this proposed site for their prey. There are national acts (The Wildlife Acts 1976-2018) and EU Acts (The EU Birds Directive; Directive 2009/147/IEC) which detail the obligations to be upheld and offences that will potentially be breached with this proposal.

The negative local impact will also include the entrance to the proposed site adding dangers with regards to line of sight upon entrance/exit and increased traffic (which is already a huge problem in Newbridge that seems to only be getting worse with these developments).

I urge you to reconsider the proposal of this site at Cornerlscourt and furthermore, I would urge those making this proposal to reflect and empathise with those who are negatively impacted by this residential proposal; how would you feel if your once private garden was severely overlooked and your privacy was taken away? How would you feel is you could no longer enjoy your garden that was once a sun trap and is now overshadowed? How would you feel if the issue with water pressure/supply and sewerage problems worsened in your estate/property as there were no considerations for how this proposal affects you? I understand that KCC are trying to come up with solutions to our expanding town, but does it really have to be at the expense of those who are already living in the area?