Permission granted to convert 'protected structure' in Laois town into apartments

Permission has been granted to refurbish a protected structure in County Laois and to convert the property into three new apartments.

The proposal for the building, located at 28 Patrick Street, Mountmellick, will see the existing dwelling being converted into 3 apartments with all associated site works.

According to planning documents, the proposed works are within the curtilage of a protected structure.

Permission was granted to Patrick and Tara Lalor late last year but this decision of Laois County Council was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, which has now upheld the council decision, subject to revised conditions.

In a report, just published, planning inspector Ann Bogan noted the primary concerns of the owners of a neighbouring property - a pub - relate to concerns over  a 'right of way to access'.

"The appellant raises concerns in relation to the negative impact increased pedestrian and vehicular activity on the laneway arising from the proposed development, might have on his premises and business. The three apartments have direct access via the front door to the building from Patrick Street, and I consider, therefore, that pedestrian traffic on the laneway is unlikely to significant increase," she wrote.

"The laneway may also be used to access the cycle store to the rear of the building. However, I believe that neither cycle or pedestrian traffic is likely to be limited and would not have a significantly negative impact on the use of the laneway for purposes associated with the licenced premises or the residential use overhead, or impact unduly on the safety and security of the premises," she added.

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Recommending that permission be granted, Ms Bogan stated: "The proposed development is in accordance with the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the Mountmellick Local Area Plan 2018-2024 and would safeguard a protected structure and provide it with a viable use.

"It would conform with the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2023, would support the regeneration of the town centre of Mountmellick and would not unduly impact on the amenities of the area."

The permission granted, is subject to compliance with a number of conditions such as; the works to the protected structure shall be carried out under the direction of an experienced conservation architect, the project Conservation Architect shall make a photographic record of the works as they proceed and the overall site shall be used for domestic-related purposes only, and not for any commercial, workshop, or other non-domestic use.