Retention planning permission granted at former Laois primary school

Laois Partnership Company has been given the green light for retention planning permission for their premises in Portlaoise. 

The Laois organisation sought to retain the change of use from the former St. Francis’ primary school on New Road, Portlaoise to offices and training unit and all associated site works. Permission was also sought to retain single storey prefabricated accommodation buildings and associated site works. 

The architects acting on behalf of Laois Partnership Company said in the planning documents: "It has come to the current committee's attention that the appropriate planning permission was not applied for at the time of conversion from St Francis' School to offices and meeting/training rooms. Also planning permission for the modular units to the site was temporary planning permission had had a timescale set upon same. 

"This application is to tidy up the status of both buildings and the current use on it."

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In making the decision Laois County Council said: "Having regard to its nature, extent and location, the zoning of the site and planning history of adjacent lands, it is considered that the proposed development would be compliant with the provisions of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the Portlaoise Local Area Plan 2024-2030 with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

The application was granted with nine conditions attached including a condition that adequate on-site bicycle parking facilities be provided within 12 weeks of the date of the granting of permission.