The future of a contentious housing development proposed for Mallow, in Co Cork, should be left to an independent assessor, a town councillor has said.

Over 120 new homes are planned for the St Joseph's Road area of the town, however local residents have voiced opposition to the two storey buildings, which they claim would impact negatively on the appearance of the area.

Town Manager Tom Stritch has warned that rejecting the development would stall social and affordable housing plans and ensure the scheme when through the lengthy planning process again.

At a town council meeting, elected representatives agreed to suspend making a decision on the proposals.

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It is expected that councillors will view plans and illustrations of the housing project later this week.

Town councillors have six weeks until a final decision must be made on the plans.

St Joseph's Road and Aldworth Heights residents have petitioned for the scheme to be reduced to single storey or dormer dwellings.

They have claimed the proposed density and housing type contravenes the development plan for the area.

Mr Stritch assured locals the two-storey will not have a negative impact on the area, which was challenged by councillor David O'Callaghan.

"I think it is easy for the town manager to say that the development will not have any effect on residents when he does not live there.

"How can the manager say that there will be no effect on the (existing) single-storey dwellings with two-storey buildings across the way?" said Mr O'Callaghan.

The councillor called for the input of an independent assessor, from outside the county, to look at the issues raised.

Mr Stritch responded: "I have seen the site and two-storey dwellings are well below the single-storey houses."

(PR/JM)