Appeal lodged over rejection of new restaurant in Mayo town
Mayo Co Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the demolition of a public house in Westport to make way for a new café restaurant has been appealed,
The applicant Harold Conway lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála regarding the proposed development on James Street, Westport.
Mr Conway’s planning proposal would have involved the demolition of the existing public house and residential building and the construction of a proposed new café-restaurant. The proposal also included a two-bed apartment on the first floor, a new shopfront, new roof lights and other associated and ancillary works.
Planners at Mayo Co Council rejected the proposal stating that the proposed development would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area. They said it was located within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and would be contrary to the Local Area Plan (LAP), which aims to ensure the preservation of the special character of the ACA.
In addition, they said it would also contradict the LAP’s policy that encourages the renovation of existing buildings over demolition.
This decision was recently appealed to An Bord Pleanála. A decision on this case is due to be made by the appeals board on or before October 1, 2025.
