Ireland
UK
Scotland
London
A cinema in Co. Mayo is to be demolished after permission was granted for the construction of a new office building on the site.
The decision by An Bord Pleanála will see the site at Clare Street in Ballyhaunis transformed into a three-storey office building that will employ around 70 people.
Solicitor Evan O’Dwyer was initially granted permission by Mayo County Council for this development but it was appealed by Tom Jordan.
Mr Jordan raised a number of issues in his appeal relating to overlooking of a neighbouring property, NRA access requirements, insufficient on-street parking, the potential fire risk resulting from restrictive fire escape and health and safety implications emanating from the removal of hazardous materials from the site. He further submitted that there was potential for surface water flooding at a neighbouring site due to different ground levels, and he stated that the proposed design is out of character with the street scene. In his submission he added that land ownership in and around the site was not clarified.
An Bord Pleanála inspector James Burke found that subject to the submission of revised details and compliance with conditions set out, the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of nearby dwellings or be detrimental to the streetscape and would therefore be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
(NS/SP)
