Laois industrial land zoning changed for new Portlaoise house

A new house is set to be permitted in industrial zoned land in Portlaoise, following a land rezoning decision.

The owner of a landmark two storey house right next to Iarnród Éireann's sleeper factory on the Old Knockmay Road, is seeking planning approval for a new dormer bungalow and entrance, in their side garden. 

The house site was zoned as Transport and Utilities, with palisade fencing around it.  However the presence of other houses along the same side of the road, prompted Laois County Council to request councillors to agree to change the zoning for it.

The Material Contravention of the county development plan was proposed by Cllr Willie Aird, seconded by Cllr Barry Walsh.

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"A dwelling would not normally be permitted in lands zoned Transport and Utilities," the council noted.

However it said as there are houses beside it, that one of them was also built after a change of land zoning, and that it will provide another house inside Portlaoise town boundary.

Cllr Aird thanked the council staff for their work to enable the house.