New coffee shop planned for busy Laois town

Plans for a new coffee shop in a busy Laois town have been lodged with Laois County Council. 

Planning permission is being sought for the change of use of a premises on Patrick Street, Mountmellick that was previously used as a hairdressers, to be developed into a coffee shop business. 

Applicant  Qiaoyun Ni is seeking permission for the demolition of a single storey extension to the rear of the premises at 10 Patrick Street, the construction of a two storey extension to accommodate an internal stair serving the premises above the shop to include all associated siteworks. 

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The planning documents state: "The premises was previously used as a hairdresser and the proposal is to change the use to a small coffee shop as presented. There is no additional floor space to the retail area.

" A small demolition to the rear will allow for an internal stairs to the 1st/ 2nd floor living accommodation. The access is via an open metal stairs that will be terminated and the landing to be used as a small balcony. Outside of internal renovations, thermal upgrades, there are no other works envisaged for the area. 

"It is anticipated that the coffee shop would be open during normal business hours. The ground floor and upper accommodation would appear to be two separate units from a utilities perspective."

Laois County Council is due to make a decision on the application by April 7.