Sligo residents are furious at Westlife singer Shane Filan's plans to build a block of apartments in Rathedmond.

Shafin Developments co-owned by Shane and his brother Finbarr have already gained planning permission from Sligo Borough Council for 61 apartments and 102 parking spaces at Knappagh Road, which is ten minutes from the town centre.

Local residents plan to appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanala they claim the density of the developments is too high for the 2.5 acre site and are angered that the apartments would tower over their gardens.

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Jim O'Sullivan, secretary of the Rathedmond Residents' Association has pointed out the density of the proposed two to four storey development is four times the existing density, with one apartment block running the length of 11 houses.

Mr O'Sullivan said: "The fight is only beginning. There is a high level of anger out there. All along we expected either the developers or the local authority to meet with us to address our concerns and this has not happened.

"Now we see that the conditions attached have not addressed a single concern we have."

The residents would like a meeting with Shafin to see if a compromise could be reached.

Last year Shafin withdrew plans for a €30m neighbourhood centre at Carrowroe which was opposed by local residents.

(GK/JM)