Changes to the development of the Glanbia site at Glenville were proposed and accepted at last week’s City Council meeting.
The original plans for the Dunmore Road site comprised of the construction of 40 dwellings.
However, Senior Planner with Waterford City Council Planning Department John Andrews explained that in the flat, upper end of the site, adjacent to Maypark Lane, it had been pointed out that there were trees which required preservation.
The mature woodland area, known as Goff’s Wood, had been examined by experts from Trinity College who made their findings known to the Council.
They concluded that Goff’s Wood contained a number of rare and exotic trees which needed protection.
Following the findings, Mr Andrews said the Council would now reduce the number of dwellings on the site.
“We are now only in a position to recommended 29, otherwise, we will lose trees which have been defined to us as being ‘significant’”, he explained.
It was noted that the Council
faced a very complicated situation in dealing with the site, as the piece of land was recognised as being of great importance to the city, but presented an obstacle as it was not in the city’s ownership.
Mr Andrews said Goff’s Wood had suffered decline, but added that steps would be taken to improve its preservation.
“It wouldn’t take an awful lot of work,” he said. “It would entail simple woodland management, non-engineered paths and the restoration of a water feature,” he outlined.
Councillors said they were pleased with the new proposal and that the preservation of Goff’s Wood had been considered.
The site, which is adjacent to the Suir and opposite Waterford Regional Hospital and Ardkeen Shopping Centre, housed the Glanbia facility until operations were moved to Ballintore, County Kildare.
In 2009, thirty four staff were let go, with the 11 who were originally retained made redundant in May of this year when operations fully ceased.