AN APPEAL against planning permission for a major extension to Skibbereen Residential Care Centre has been lodged, following its initial approval by Cork County Council.

Local authority planners gave the go-ahead to Skibbereen Residential Care Ltd to demolish the wall along the western boundary of the Baltimore Road residential home, and to build a new one two metres back from the boundary line.

The plans also include internal alterations to the southwestern part of the building and the addition of three single-storey extensions.

The largest extension would provide 24 new single bedrooms with en-suite facilities, communal spaces, clinical and support accommodation, and staff areas, bringing the total bed spaces to 71.

A smaller extension on the northern side will expand a dining room and kitchen and include additional storage. The project also includes 23 extra parking spaces, ten new bicycle stands, and external landscaping works.

The appeal, lodged on November 4th, follows five objections, including from care home residents and agencies including Uisce Éireann and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Concerns were raised about loss of light and amenities, increased flooding risk, more parking and construction traffic.

One care home resident wrote in his letter of objections: ‘I am severely impacted by the proposed development. The trees are to be taken down, which provide a noise barrier from the traffic on the Baltimore Road.

‘There is also the loss of habitat for the birds and wildlife. I will be denied natural light and there will be loss of quiet.’

Inland Fisheries Ireland requested safeguards for the adjacent stream, while Uisce Éireann called for a service connection agreement for water and wastewater.

The case is due to be decided by March 2026.