Construction plans at landmark Laois building appealed

An appeal has been lodged against plans to increase accommodation provision at the East End Hotel on Main Street in Portarlington. 

Noel Martin had applied to Laois County Council to build more hotel rooms at the premises. He lodged plans for ten new hotel rooms in three new single storey buildings on the grounds of the hotel. The plans were approved by the council subject to 14 conditions last month. 

The plans had necessitated the removal of 12 trees and the construction of a new doorway and ramped pedestrian access to the rear garden. 

It also involved the provision of cycle parking and alterations to the existing car park. A Natura Impact Statement(NIS) was included with the application. 

Eleven separate objectors pointed out the fact that the property wasn’t a hotel but was in fact being used as a direct provision centre for asylum seekers. 

The Orchard Drive Residents Association, who also appealed the planned development to An Bord Pleanala, said the premises was not a hotel.  

They expressed concerns about the management of the premises and the “over development” of the site. They claimed the proposed units did not meet minimum standards set down on the Apartment Guidelines 2020 and expressed concerns about sewerage and that the development would be overlooking Orchard Drive.   

A council executive planner noted the developer was willing to reduce the number of buildings and rooms for the planned development. 

However, they recommended that planning permission be refused due to the nature of the development on the grounds of a protected structure of regional importance. 

“In particular, the proposed siting would erode the remaining walled garden of the Protected Structure and would therefore be contrary to Policy PS2 and Policy DM PS 1 of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027 which seeks to protect the curtilage of protected structures from inappropriate development. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” the planner stated.

Despite the planner’s reservations, Laois County Council decided to approve the plans subject to 14 conditions. 

The residents association has now appealed the plans to An Bord Pleanala. A decision on the development is expected to be made by An Bord Pleanala by April 12, 2024.