Derelict Laois building saved from demolition in new planning application

An historic Laois building that was protected from demolition, is the subject of a new planning application to turn it into a family home.

Ballydavis House in The Heath near Portlaoise, served the rural community for many years as a shop and a pub.

The stone two storey premises has lain vacant for many years and was placed on the council's derelict sites list. 

The house was in danger of being demolished in a 2021 planning application by a couple building a house beside it. 

The council granted permission for the house, but refused permission for demolition of the derelict Ballydavis House, describing it as part of "the vernacular architecture of The Heath for generations".

Read that story here.

Now different applicants are seeking permission from Laois County Council planners to rejuvenate it.

Applicants Donnagh Treacy and Ellyn O'Neill have applied for permission to demolish the commercial side extensions, build a modern linked two storey extension to the rear and convert change of use from commercial to residential only.

"This application relates to an existing commercial and residential premises at Ballydavis, Co. Laois. With this application we wish to apply for change of use from commercial to domestic, demolish some buildings to sides and rear of the premises, erect an extension to the rear of the premises, decommission existing septic tank and percolation area and install new septic tank and perc area.

"We also wish to close an existing entrance to the side of the existing garage and construct a new entrance to the opposite side of the premises away from a junction for safety reasons. We are also proposing a new domestic garage with this application, a new front boundary wall with pedestrian access available," the planning application says.

Read also: Plans approved for Laois pub despite dispute

The couple intend to replace the slate roof, remove the external plaster and repoint the building with lime mortar, in keeping with traditional building methods.

A decision is due on the application in June.