Major development plans lodged for historic Laois venue

Plans for a major development at the historic Preston House site in Abbeyleix, which include a wellness centre and tourism and community workshop, have been lodged with Laois County Council. 

Owner Ross McDonald has lodged the ambitious plans with the local authority this week. 

He is seeking permission to carry out a regenerative infill development within the curtilage of the 200 year old Georgian House which is a protected structure. 

The proposed works consist of the restoration of an existing stone shed with alterations to roof, walls, windows and doors to be used as a regenerative Tourism and Community Workshop Space (single storey).

He is also seeking permission for a Regenerative Bathing, Sauna building and Plunge Pool Quarter with accessible shower & toilet building (single storey) as well as  a Regenerative Escape Studio Suite, a Universally Accessible Sustainable Suite and an Artists Retreat Sustainable Suite. 

The application seeks permission for the development of a two-storey Regenerative Retreat Facility & wellness centre along with solar panels, landscaping, SUDS, rainwater harvesting systems, proposed new soakpit to BRE Digest 365, connection to existing foul sewer and existing services, and all ancillary site and other works. 

Preston House, a boutique hotel on Abbeyleix's Main Street, dates back to 1810 and has been undergoing conservation and restoration works. 

Laois County Council is due to make a decision on the development by September 3, 2024.