A US billionaire’s plan for a luxury home and animal sanctuary in Kinsale has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
US heir James Berwind bought Sprayfield House in Sandycove in 2023 for a reported €4.75 million.
Large parts of the building have since been demolished. In October, Mr Berwind secured Cork County Council’s planning approval to rebuild the property as a combined residence and farm run by his company, Ríocht na nAinmhithe LLC.
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The plans include construction of a new main house, leisure complex with a lap pool, a roof level padel court and renewable energy installations featuring solar panels and mini turbines.
At the time, more than a dozen local residents objected, claiming the project represents overdevelopment that would damage the area’s rural character and landscape.
Objectors cited concerns about noise, increased traffic, and visual disruption near historic ruins and the public cliff walk.
They also warned of potential harm to wildlife, water pollution, strain on local power and loss of rural tranquillity.
Residents urged Cork County Council to delay approval, pending full environmental and traffic assessments.
Further objections mentioned pressure on local services, with one resident saying splitting the work into several applications hid the full scale of the development.
Daniel Carey, of Sandycove, wrote in his letter of objection: ‘The preservation of this outstandingly beautiful natural environment and the well-being of its residents must remain a priority in any planning decision.’
Sandycove resident Kevin Stembridge objected, saying: ‘Given the rural location, many homes depend on private wells. Contamination would impose serious health risks and financial burden on residents. The planning application does not provide adequate assurances or strategies to mitigate these risks.’
Five parties have now appealed the council’s decision, warning the scheme would create overdevelopment and could set an undesirable precedent for future developments.
An Coimisiún Pleanála is expected to rule on the plans by April 7th 2026.
