Laois planners decide on renovation of derelict factory into holiday apartments

A Laois tourism business project has been given the green light, for a derelict chemicals factory in Laois to be turned into holiday apartments.

A former American owned vitamins factory in former national Tidy Towns winner Abbeyleix is to be converted into short term holiday lets, "with a focus on heritage and nature" bringing visitors to the Laois town.

The old Stone Arch factory is beside the Laois town's former train station on the Ballacolla Road, on a narrow site that leads to the N77 Durrow road. It is across from the restored Abbeyleix Bog and Abbeyleix Manor Hotel.

The applicant and owner, local company O'Maonlaoi De Faoite Ltd had sought permission eight months ago, for a change of use from office block to self-catering guest accommodation/ short term let accommodation, with four two-bedroom units and 8 carparking spaces.

They also sought permission for an extension to the side to accommodate a new stairwell, and to renovate a building to include a bin-bay and bicycle rack. They also want to demolish existing industrial structures to the rear.

The applicants had said that "this proposal will breed (sic) new life into the area and will complement the existing hotel within the vicinity as it would allow for overflow accommodation and add tourists to the restaurant and bars. The accommodation will provide a range of amenities, including: self catering guesthouse in the center of Abbeyleix town within walking distance of restaurants, public houses, shops, library, churches, the historical centre of Abbeyleix".

The Site Area is 0.2873ha. The factory closed in January 2002, having at one point been the biggest employer in Abbeyleix. 

The applicants had said the development is part of a future, wider ambitious plan, called Stone Arch Culture and Biodiversity Park, including the old train station. That project proposal was included in the application, showing a rewilded biodiversity park and glamping pods. See more detail on the plan here.

There had been several public submissions in objection. One person made eight points including concerns for potential chemical pollution, and suggested that it was a residential development not a holiday business. A neighbour of the site said that part of the entrance road belonged to him.

Read also: PICTURES: Abbeyleix House and Farm a spectacular show on Open Day

The planners had to ask twice for a proper conservational architect's impact plan on the adjacent stone arch building. They also asked if the site had been remediated after the factory shut. They asked for altered plans so each apartment had at least 7 metres of private open space. They wanted the plans for the remainder of the site. The planners also asked for comments on the submissions made. 

In reply, the applicant gave an environmental report stating that the site had no environment risk, as 100 tonnes of contaminated soil was removed. They increased the apartment open spaces and addressed the road issue with their neighbour.