Plans approved at historic Laois guesthouse

Planning permission has been granted for an artist’s retreat, a regenerative retreat and wellness centre and a tourism and community workshop space at an historic building in the heart of Abbeyleix. 

Ross McDonald was granted conditional planning permission for the development at the rear of Preston House on Main Street in Abbeyleix. 

The development at the existing guesthouse involves the conversion an existing stone shed at the rear of the house and the development of a “Regenerative Escape Studio Suite (single storey)” a  “Universally Accessible Sustainable Suite (Single storey with mezzanine floor)” and “an Artists Retreat Sustainable Suite”. 

The proposal also includes bathing facilities and a plunge pool, sauna and a “regenerative retreat facility and wellness centre.” 

The plans attracted submissions from local residents in Abbeyleix. 

Ian Galbraith expressed some concern that the additional accommodation would result in more visitors and consequently a noisier environment in the early hours of the morning. 

Fintan and Ita Dunne said they had no objection in principle to the plans but they were concerned about the potential impact of the development on their privacy. They also raised the issue about potential noise and light pollution. 

On inspecting the proposal, a Laois County Council Planner stated that “the project comprises of a number of elements and will see the construction of a number of structures and the renovation of an existing outhouse. The structure proposed for renovation is immediately to the rear of Preston House.” 

“The uses proposed accord with the zoning of the site and help to enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre by the development of under-utilised lands with a diverse and novel use. As such it is considered that the proposed development is acceptable in principle,” he stated. 

He noted the development included a number of structures. 

“All structures with the exception of the Wellness Open Area, which will be constructed on an existing concrete base, will be constructed on a ground screw foundation system. This system will avoid the requirement to conduct extensive excavation to the rear of the protected structure.” the planner stated. 

He didn’t believe the development would present any issues with regard to privacy. 

“It is not envisaged that there are any overlooking concerns. Furthermore, the structures have been designed with due consideration of the residential amenity of adjoining residential structures, in that the elevations facing party boundaries are largely windowless,” he noted. 

“Preston house is currently in use as a guesthouse and office building. The proposed development will complement and enhance the accommodation offering,” the planner found. 

The planning permission was approved by Laois County Council subject to eight conditions on September 3, 2024.