Kilcock Residents Community Development Association .

27/10/2026

Based on the provided document from Kildare County Council, the Planning Authority has issued a split decision on your planning application (Pl. Ref.: 26/60134) for Shalom Nursing Home, Kilcock, granting permission/retention for some works while refusing others.

Key Details & Summary of Decision

• Applicant: Frostbreak ULC c/o John Spain Associates.
• Site Location: Shalom Nursing Home, Church Street, Kilcock, Co. Kildare (W23 FH30).
• Decision Date: 27 October 2026.

🟢 What Has Been Granted

The council has decided to grant retention and permission for the following front-of-site works:
• Retention: Removal of the railings/gates to the front (western side) facing Church Street.
• Permission: Part demolition of the wall adjacent to the front gate and its replacement with a new granite wall, metal railings, and a gate (per drawings P-NH-04-13 & P-NH-02-30).

Conditions Attached to the Grant:

1. Compliance: Works must align strictly with the submitted plans and further information received on 30/09/2026.
2. Conservation Specialist: A qualified conservation professional (recommended RIAI Grade 3) must supervise all works. Evidence of this appointment must be sent to the council before work starts.
3. Construction Hours & Noise:
• Hours: Monday–Friday (07:00 to 18:00) and Saturdays (08:00 to 14:00). No work on Sundays or public holidays.
• Noise limits: Maximum 70 dB(A) during permitted hours and 45 dB(A) at all other times when measured from nearby noise-sensitive locations.

🔴 What Has Been Refused

The council has decided to refuse permission for the following fencing elements:
• Fencing to the side (south) and rear (east) of the site.
• Fencing to the front as shown on drawings P-NH-04-10, P-NH-04-14, and P-NH-04-15.

Reason for Refusal:

• The site is the former Presentation Convent, which is a Protected Structure (RPS No: B05-40), borders another Protected Structure (St. Coca’s Church), and sits within an Architectural Conservation Area.
• The council determined that the proposed side, rear, and specific front fencing would negatively impact the historic character and setting of these protected structures and the local conservation area.

⚠️ Important Next Steps & Appeals

• Site Notice: You must now arrange to have the planning site notice removed from the property.
• Work Status: The development is not authorised until the final grant of permission issues. Do not start the permitted wall/gate works yet.
• Appeals: You have the right to appeal the refusal or any of the conditions to An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála), located at 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.
• Deadline: The appeal must be received within 4 weeks beginning on the day of the decision (27/10/2026).
• Requirements: Must be fully complete from the start and include confirmation of your submission to the Planning Authority along with the correct fee.
• Commercial Fee: Since the application includes a commercial retention element, a first-party appeal fee is €4,500 (or €9,000 if an EIAR/NIS is involved). If appealing solely against a financial contribution condition, the fee is €220.

Summary Table of Split Decision

Component / Proposed Work Status Key Condition / Reason
Removal of front railings/gates 🟢 Granted (Retention) Subject to regular construction hours and noise limits.
Part wall demolition & new granite wall/metal gate 🟢 Granted (Permission) Must be supervised by an accredited conservation professional.
Fencing to the side (south) and rear (east) 🔴 Refused Deemed harmful to the character/setting of the Protected Structure and Conservation Area.
Fencing to the front (Drawings P-NH-04-10/14/15) 🔴 Refused Deemed harmful to the character/setting of the Protected Structure and Conservation Area.

27/10/2026

An Rannóg Pleanála
Planning Department
Date: 27/10/2026
Pl. Ref.: 26/60134
Frostbreak ULC
c/o John Spain
John Spain Associates,
39 Fitzwilliam Place,
Dublin 2
D02 ND61

Notification of a decision under Section 34 of the Planning & Development Act 2000
(as amended)
Planning Register Number: 26/60134
Application Received Date: 13/02/2026
Further Information Received Date: 30/09/2026
In pursuance of the powers conferred upon them by the above-mentioned Acts, Kildare County Council
have by Order dated 27/10/2026 decided to GRANT RETENTION to the above named for the
development of land in accordance with the documents submitted namely:- for the removal of
railings/gates to the front of the site (western side) facing Church Street and Permission is granted
for the part demolition of the wall adjacent to front gate and its replacement with a new granite
wall with metal railings and gate as per drawings no’s P-NH-04-13 & P-NH-02-30 received by the
Planning Authority on the 30/09/2026 at Shalom Nursing Home, Church Street, Kilcock, Co.
Kildare, W23 FH30 subject to 3 conditions set out in the schedule attached.
AND HAVE BY Order dated 27/10/2026 decided to REFUSE PERMISSION for fencing to the side (south)
and rear (east) of the site and fencing to the front as per drawings P-NH-04-10, P-NH-04-14 and P-NH-04-
15 received by the Planning Authority on the 30/09/2026 at Shalom Nursing Home, Church Street,
Kilcock, Co. Kildare, W23 FH30 subject to 1 condition set out in the schedule attached.
The reason for the imposition of the said conditions are also included. The Planning Authority have had
regard to any submissions or representations made on this file. If there is no appeal against the said
decision a grant of permission in accordance with the decision will be issued after the expiration of the
period within which an appeal may be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála (see footnote). It should be noted An Rannóg Pleanála
Planning Department
that until a grant of permission has been issued the development in question is NOT AUTHORISED and
work should not commence.
Date: 27/10/2026 _____
Senior Executive Officer, Planning
Kildare County Council
PLEASE ARRANGE TO REMOVE SITE NOTICE
Any appeal against the decision of a Planning Authority under Section 37 of the Planning & Development
Act 2000 as amended) may be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. First and
third party objections must be received by An Coimisiún Pleanála within 4 weeks beginning on the day of
making the decision by the Planning Authority. The appeal must be fully complete from the start - you are
not permitted to submit any part of it later, even within the time limit.
Any appeal made within the statutory appeal period to An Coimisiún Pleanála will be invalid unless
accompanied by
1 Confirmation of submission to Planning Authority
2 The correct statutory fee, (Fees payable to An Coimisiún Pleanála on or after 5th September, 2011)
i. Appeal by 1st party relating to commercial development where the application included the retention
of development - €4,500 or €9,000 if an EIAR or NIS involved.
ii. Appeal by 1st party relating to commercial development (no retention element in application) - €1,500
or €3,000 if an EIAR or NIS involved.
iii. Appeal by 1st party non-commercial development where the application included the retention of
development - €660
iv. Appeal by 1st Party solely against contribution condition(s) – (2000 Act and amendments Section 48
or 49) - €220
v. Appeal following grant of leave to appeal
vi. An Appeal other than referred to in (i) to (v) above - €220
This guide does not purport to be a legal interpretation of the fees payable to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Please contact An Coimisiún Pleanála for further information. An Rannóg Pleanála
Planning Department
Retention Permission is sought for the removal of railings / gates to the front of the site
(south western side). Permission is sought for the removal of existing unauthorised fences
/ gates and the er****on of new, permanent gates and fencing. This includes: - Gates to the
front (south western side) and rear (north eastern side) of the site; - Fencing to front, side
and rear (south western, south eastern and north eastern side) of the site; -Part demolition
of the wall adjacent to front gate; and - All associated landscaping and ancillary works at
Shalom Nursing Home, Church Street, Kilcock, W23 FH30 – Frostbreak ULC – 26/60134
Retention is GRANTED for the removal of railings/gates to the front of the site (western side)
facing Church Street and Permission is granted for the part demolition of the wall adjacent
to front gate and its replacement with a new granite wall with metal railings and gate as per
drawings no’s P-NH-04-13 & P-NH-02-30 received by the Planning Authority on the
30/09/2026.
Schedule 1 – Considerations and reasons on which this decision is based as required by
Article 31 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, (as amended).
Having regard to the nature and design of the development, the character of adjoining
developments, to referral reports and submissions received, and to the provisions of the Kildare
County Development Plan 2023-2029 (as varied) and the Kilcock Local Area Plan 2015-2021, it is
considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions attached, the development [the retention
of the removal of railings/gates to the front of the site (western side) facing Church Street and
permission for the part demolition of the wall adjacent to front gate and its replacement with a new
granite wall with metal railings and gate] would not negatively impact the protected structure or its
setting or injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity, and is in accordance with the
proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Schedule 2 – Conditions to apply.
1. (a) This grant of permission refers only to Retention of the removal of railings/gates to the front
of the site (western side) facing Church Street, and Permission for the part demolition of the wall
adjacent to front gate and its replacement with a new granite wall with metal railings and gate
as per drawings no’s P-NH-04-13 & P-NH-02-30 received by the Planning Authority on the
30/09/2026.
(b) Permitted works shall be carried out in accordance with the Site Layout Plan, plans,
elevations and documentation received by the Planning Authority on 13/02/2026 as amended An Rannóg Pleanála
Planning Department
by Further Information received by the Planning Authority on the 30/09/2026 except as amended
by the conditions of this permission.
Reason: To clarify the permitted development and that effective control be maintained.
2. All works shall be supervised by a suitably qualified conservation professional (recommended
an RIAI architect accredited in conservation at Grade 3). Evidence of this appointment shall be
submitted in writing to the Planning Authority, prior to commencement of any works.
Reason: In the interest of the protection of architectural heritage.
3. (a) The permitted hours of operation during the construction phase and for construction related
deliveries and collections shall be between 07:00 hours to 18:00 hours Monday to Friday and
08:00 hours to 14:00 hours on Saturdays. Work is not permitted on Sundays and on public
holidays. Any deviation from these times shall only be allowed in exceptional circumstances
where prior written approval has been received from the planning authority.
(b) Noise from the construction stages of the development shall not give rise to sound pressure
levels (Leq 15 minutes) measured at noise sensitive locations which exceed 70 dB(A) (LAeq 1
hour) between 07:00 hours and 18:00 hours Monday to Friday inclusive (excluding bank
holidays) and between 08:00 hours and 14:00 hours on Saturdays when measured at any noise
sensitive location in the vicinity of the site. If changes are agreed in writing with the Planning
Authority to the construction hours as per (a) above, the noise levels shall align with same.
Sound levels from site development works shall not exceed 45 dB(A) (LAeq 1 hour) at any other
time.
Reason: (a) In order to safeguard the residential amenity of properties in the area. (b) In the
interest of public health, to avoid noise pollution, and to ensure proper development.
ADVICE NOTE TO APPLICANTS
All applicants are advised to make themselves aware of their responsibilities under the
requirements of the Building Control Regulations 1997 to 2021, the EU Construction Products
Regulations, and the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.
Further information and FAQ’s can be found online at https://localgov.ie/
or https://kildare.ie/countycouncil/AllServices/BuildingandDevelopmentControl/
NB: Failure to submit a Commencement Notice (where required) is an offence and will have
serious consequences which cannot be regularised at a later date. You may have difficulties in An Rannóg Pleanála
Planning Department
selling your property if you cannot prove that the statutory requirements relevant to the property
have been met.
Retention Permission is sought for the removal of railings / gates to the front of the site
(south western side). Permission is sought for the removal of existing unauthorised fences
/ gates and the er****on of new, permanent gates and fencing. This includes: - Gates to the
front (south western side) and rear (north eastern side) of the site; - Fencing to front, side
and rear (south western, south eastern and north eastern side) of the site; -Part demolition
of the wall adjacent to front gate; and - All associated landscaping and ancillary works at
Shalom Nursing Home, Church Street, Kilcock, W23 FH30 – Frostbreak ULC – 26/60134
Permission is REFUSED for fencing to the side (south) and rear (east) of the site and
fencing to the front as per drawings P-NH-04-10, P-NH-04-14 and P-NH-04-15 received by
the Planning Authority on the 30/09/2026.
Permission is REFUSED for the following reasons:
1. The application site is the former Presentation Convent, a protected structure (RPS No: B05-40,
adjoining St. Coca’s Church (Protected Structure RPS B05-41) and is within the designated
Architectural Conservation Area for Kilcock. It is considered that the proposed development (of
fencing to the side and rear of the site), if permitted, would negatively impact on the character
of the existing protected structure and its setting and also negatively impact on the relationship
of the application site and St. Coca’s Church (Protected Structure RPS B05-41) and the Kilcock
Architectural Conservation Area and would fail to comply with specific policies and objectives in
both the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 (as varied) and the Kilcock Local Area
Plan 2015-2021 which seek to ensure that development proposals do not adversely affect the
character of a protected structure or the setting of a protected structure and to discourage any
development that would adversely affect the character of the Architectural Conservation Area.
The proposed development of fencing to the side and rear of the site, would therefore be contrary
to Objectives AH O20, AH O21, AH O32, AH O41 and AH O65 of the Kildare County
Development Plan 2023-2029 (as varied) and Objectives HC6, HC12, HC13, HC14, HC 15 and
HC16 of the Kilcock Local Area Plan 2015-2021 and therefore would be contrary to the proper
planning and development of the area.

I want to...

24/10/2026

TREACY: Permission for Kilcock IPAS centre rejected
October 24, 2026
|
Dr Matt Treacy
|
Featured

Listen to this article
5 min
The town of Kilcock received good news prior to the Bank Holiday weekend when on Friday An Coimisiún Pleanála notified Kildare County Council that an application by Frostbreak Unlimited for a proposed change of use at Shalom Nursing Home, Church Street, to provide accommodation for persons seeking International Protection constitutes “development and not exempted development.”

In order to proceed now, Frostbreak would have to revert to the normal planning process and while local residents are cautious they are pleased with the decision of ACP which is normally the last resort and where a negative decision by the Commissioners ought normally to settle the matter.

Application for IPAS centre met with strong local opposition

I first reported on large protests at the site after it had been revealed that on May 15, 2025, a company called Frostbreak had applied for the now rejected exemption.

On June 11, 2025, the Council planners informed Frostbreak that it was not exempted. The proposal appeared to be dead in the water, and that seemed to be confirmed by the Department of Justice stating that: “The Community Engagement Team can confirm that the Department had previously received an offer of potential accommodation for people seeking international protection at Shalom Nursing Home,16 R148 Church Street, Kilcock, Co. Kildare and the property is no longer under consideration.”

Despite that, work appeared to be continuing and on June 20, 2025, Kildare County Council issued a warning letter to Frostbreak ordering them to cease all unauthorised works. A local resident sought and was granted a High Court injunction on July 14, 2025.

Not to be deterred, Frostbreak applied for a retention order to retain gates and fencing, That application was then referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála in September last year.

In August, 2025, Frostbreak made another application to Kildare County Council and oddly – given their previous decision – on September 9, 2025, Kildare County Council decided that the new application did constitute exempted development.

Kildare County Council kicked the decision over to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

However, as a consequence of strong local opposition in January this year Kildare County Council referred the matter to An Coimisiún Pleanála. A decision had been expected in May but was only signed off on Thursday and notified to KCC yesterday.

The contractor, Frostbreak Unlimited, was registered on March 21 2025 and is owned by another company, Branchbreak Unlimited, which was registered on March 11, 2024 and is wholly owned by Diarmuid O’Sullivan of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. The other director of Frostbreak is Helen O’Sullivan of the same address.

O’Sullivan’s Linkedin also describes himself as a “luxury house builder” and the owner of Carrickreagh Developments and Home Door Properties. Carrickreagh is based in Ballyshannon in Donegal and a Jonathan Balfour of Enniskillen is also a director of Carrickreagh.

O’Sullivan and Balfour are also involved in Huband Capital which is wholly owned by Trasna Limited. Huband is €1.17 million in the red according to the latest CRO listing.

Balfour is a director and owner of several other northern companies registered with Companies House in London. Among them are Elite Electronics which is one of the leading electronics manufacturers in Northern Ireland.

Lack of Department support indicative of political decision to avoid protests

What is also interesting about the decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála is that while they seemed prepared to accept the application for an exemption under Class 14(h) that they rejected any exemption under Class 20F for the reasons that there was “no evidence” the use would be “by or on behalf of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth”, which is a condition of that exemption.

Which would indicate that the Department has no stomach to face the sort of protests that would be sure to follow the opening of any new IPAS centre. Kilcock is clearly a consequence of a political decision by Minister O’Callaghan not to open new centres if it can be avoided.

That only came about as a consequence of community resistance around the state since 2023 with the support of a tiny number of TDs and Councillors who stood by them when they were being maligned and even pepper sprayed for standing up.

23/10/2026

Before people rush to social media, call councillors, or share alarming posts claiming that a man is attacking children in Kilcock estates, can we all please stop and think for a moment.

The individual involved was not a man. He was a teenager, around 16 years old, and a friend of my son. He was simply walking home carrying a wooden prop. Was it the smartest idea? Probably not. But he's still a child.

This is exactly why we need to be careful before making assumptions, spreading rumours, or sharing unverified claims online. A young person and their family could easily be subjected to unnecessary fear, scrutiny, and public condemnation based on misinformation.

Social media can be a powerful tool for keeping communities informed, but with that comes a responsibility to verify facts before posting. Once a story is shared, the damage can be done long before the truth comes out.

Let's all take a breath, check the facts, and remember that there are real people, including children, at the centre of these stories.

Shame on those who chose to fuel panic rather than seek the truth.

23/10/2026

A Positive Step Forward for Kilcock

Today brings some welcome clarity regarding the former Shalom Nursing Home.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has determined that the proposed change of use is development and is not exempted development. This means that if Frostbreak wishes to pursue the proposal considered in the referral, a full planning application process would be required, with all the scrutiny, assessment and public participation that comes with it.

For many in our community, this is an encouraging reminder that proper planning procedures matter, especially where a Protected Structure and significant changes of use are involved.

Personally, I have my doubts that Frostbreak will choose to invest the time, cost and uncertainty of a full planning application. It may decide to explore alternative uses for the building instead. One possibility could be working with a charity or approved housing body to provide accommodation for those in need, subject of course to all relevant planning and regulatory requirements.

For now, I believe this decision gives Kilcock an opportunity to pause, reflect and look forward. Whatever happens next, we all want to see this important building put to a positive use that respects both the property and the wider community.

Thank you to everyone who has stayed engaged, asked questions, attended meetings, and supported proper process and transparency throughout. Community involvement matters, and today shows that local voices can make a difference.

Let's remain respectful, constructive and hopeful about what comes next for Kilcock.💚💚💛💚

09/09/2026

📢 Shalom Convent Planning Decision: What It Means for Kilcock

There has been considerable discussion about the recent An Coimisiún Pleanála decision regarding the gates and security fencing at Shalom Convent. Here's what the decision actually means for Kilcock:

✅ The existing gates and fencing can remain for now The Commission granted retention permission for the current gates and security fencing, meaning they can legally stay in place during the permission period. The Commission found that the works do not adversely affect the protected structure or the Kilcock Architectural Conservation Area. The Inspector's recommendation for refusal was overturned.

✅ The decision removes uncertainty over the gates and fencing From a planning perspective, the status of these specific works has now been clarified. The temporary gates and fencing have planning approval subject to conditions.

✅ The Commission accepted that the works are temporary A key factor in the decision was that the gates and fencing were considered temporary, reversible, and did not involve the loss of historic fabric from the protected structure.

⚠️ This is NOT approval for an IPAS centre One of the most important points for residents to understand is that this decision only relates to the gates and security fencing. It does not approve:

An IPAS centre.
Accommodation for international protection applicants.
Any change of use of the building.
Any future permanent development at the site.

⚠️ The main planning question remains unresolved The separate referral concerning whether the proposed accommodation use at Shalom Convent is exempted development (ED1305) remains undecided. That is the decision that will ultimately determine the planning status of the proposed use of the building.

⚠️ The gates are not approved permanently Under the Commission's conditions, the gates and fencing must be removed and the original gates reinstated after one year unless a further permission or a permanent replacement solution is approved.

Bottom line for Kilcock:

The fencing and gates have received temporary planning approval.
The decision strengthens the position of the current security measures.
It does not give approval for an IPAS operation.
The crucial exempted-development referral is still awaiting a decision.
Long-term planning questions about the site's future remain unresolved.

The community is still waiting for clarity on the far more significant issue: the planning status of the proposed accommodation use of Shalom Convent.

31/08/2026

After a quiet summer and a much‑needed break from social media, I’m back. There wasn’t much to report over the last couple of months — and honestly, the pause was welcome.

But summer is over, the kids are back to school, traffic has surged again, and the town is feeling the strain. One of the biggest questions people keep asking is when the Millerstown ring road will finally open. It would take huge pressure off the town — especially once the Maynooth college campus opens.

And that’s not the only concern.

We’re heading into Autumn with vacant buildings and unfinished sites becoming bigger problems by the week. The most obvious one is the eyesore of the unfinished apartment blocks at Angie’s. The High Court stopped work on the site due to unsafe practices, and now it’s being treated like a playground by teenagers. Only last week there was a fire — and with Halloween season approaching, fireworks and more incidents feel almost inevitable unless something changes.

And what about all the other vacant buildings and derelict sites around the town? How long do we keep waiting for action?

Meanwhile, Shalom Convent is still sitting in limbo. It was supposed to have a decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála on the Section 5 referral submitted by Kildare County Council. Yet we’re told there’s a “backlog”. But referrals from other county councils — lodged after ours — have already been decided. So why is ACP holding out on making a decision for Kilcock?

With all of this going on, we’re looking for new committee members who want to help drive real change. Whether your passion is:

Fighting for Millerstown ring road access

Tackling vacant buildings and proper redevelopment

Pushing for clarity and accountability on Shalom Convent

…we need people who care about Kilcock’s future and don’t want to see our town left behind.

If you’d like to get involved, please contact the page. Every voice, every skill, every bit of help matters.

Kilcock deserves better — and together, we can make sure it gets it.

15/05/2026

📢 Shalom Convent Update – More Delays, More Questions
At this stage, the pattern is impossible to ignore.
Frostbreak appealed Kildare County Council’s decision on the unauthorised fencing and gates at Shalom, which pushed the whole thing to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
A decision was due on 25th February 2026, but we were told it was delayed due to a “backlog.”
Then the new date — 20th April 2026 — came with letters landing through many of our doors saying the case was now delayed again because of the “complexity of the case.”
And it doesn’t stop there.
On 12th May, An Coimisiún Pleanála was also supposed to issue a determination on Case 324005, the Section 5 (ED1305) ruling on whether turning floors in Shalom Convent into an IPAS centre is exempt from planning permission.
That decision has now been pushed out too — all the way to 3rd July 2026, again citing backlog.
Three major delays.
Three moving deadlines.
Three decisions that directly affect our town, our planning system, and our right to transparency.
Meanwhile, next door, Fr. George didn’t get the decision he wanted for his parish centre — yet local TD James lawless and councillor Paul Ward had no issue supporting it. The contrast is hard to ignore.
And now we have the principal of St. Coca’s, Linda Daly, raising alarm about pupils “losing the right of way” through the parish grounds — even though no such loss has occurred.
But where is that same level of concern for the impending IPAS centre right beside the school?
Instead, what we see is support for plans to tear down walls and the grotto to create what’s being sold as a “safer entrance” — an entrance that would be 100 metres from a proposed IPAS centre.
At the same time, Frostbreak is offering land for her prefab classrooms, and appears aligned with both the school and the parish on their respective projects.
It’s hard not to notice how these interests overlap.
It’s hard not to notice who is helping whom.
And it’s very hard not to ignore how the community is being left out while others look after each other.
Kilcock deserves clarity, fairness, and transparency — not endless delays, selective concern, and behind‑the‑scenes arrangements.
We will keep watching.
We will keep documenting.
And we will keep holding every decision‑maker to account

04/05/2026

From the Mind of the Developer.......
I never meant to become the villain of Kilcock.
But if the shoe fits, I’ll wear it — polished, expensive, and bought with the profits I intend to squeeze from every square metre of Shalom Convent.
People think development is about community, heritage, planning law.
Please.
Development is about opportunity, and Shalom is the biggest opportunity I’ve seen in years.
A derelict convent on prime land, right in the heart of a growing commuter town?
That’s not a building — that’s a goldmine wrapped in ivy.
And when the government started throwing money at IPAS accommodation, I knew exactly what Shalom could become.
Not a sanctuary.
Not a community asset.
But a revenue stream.
A guaranteed, state‑funded, long‑term revenue stream.
Of course the locals don’t see it that way.
They talk about schools, traffic, safety, heritage, planning rules.
They cling to their Section 5 decisions and their appeals like they mean something.
But I’ve learned one thing in this business: planning is flexible when you know the right people.
Which brings me to my good friends — my very good friends — The planners
Ah, John
The kind of planning consultancy every developer dreams of.
They speak fluent planning law, fluent bureaucracy, and fluent “how to get things over the line.”
They know the system, the loopholes, the timing, the language that turns “inappropriate development” into “strategic necessity.”
When I say jump, they don’t ask how high.
They ask, “Will you need a supporting statement, a landscape appraisal, or a traffic assessment to go with that?”
Together, we’ve danced through applications, exemptions, retention requests, and appeals.
Every delay is just a puzzle.
Every refusal is just a challenge.
Every objection is just noise.
And now?
Now we’re closer than ever.
New gates.
New railings.
New landscaping.
A tidy little planning application — nothing dramatic, nothing flashy.
Just enough to keep the momentum going while the bigger decisions brew quietly in the background.
People say it’s suspicious.
People say it’s coordinated.
People say it’s all too convenient.
They’re right.
Because I don’t leave things to chance.
I don’t wait for opportunity — I manufacture it.
And if that means pushing every boundary, filing every application, appealing every refusal, and smiling politely while the community fumes…
So be it.
Shalom Convent will become what I want it to become.
Not because it’s right.
Not because it’s needed.
But because I want it, and I have the partners, the money, and the persistence to make it happen.
Greed?
Call it what you like.
I call it business.
And business is very, very good.