Green light given to Mayo town development

An Bord Pleanála has overturned Mayo County Council's decision to refuse planning permission for the refurbishment of a former Castlebar pub into a residential property.

The local authority refused permission for the proposed development last April which would have seen the refurbishment of an existing public house and residential building at Spencer Street into a new, two-storey residential property. The proposed works comprised the partial demolition of the existing building.

The council rejected the planned works over concerns related to the design of the new roof and the lack of an archaeological appraisal and assessment, which was required as Spencer Street is on the Recorded Monuments and Place register. The street is one of the oldest in Castlebar.

However, An Bord Pleanála planning inspector Darragh Ryan recommended planning be granted for the proposed development.

He said the revised design set out by the applicants complies with policy objectives from the Castlebar Local Area Plan 2023-2029 that emphasise the retention, sympathetic maintenance and sustainable reuse of historic buildings, as well as the preservation of streetscape character, fabric and detail.

Mr Ryan said the proposed development would be an acceptable development subject to compliance with conditions.

“It is considered subject to compliance with the conditions, the proposed development would not be seriously injurious to the amenities of the area or the archaeology of the area and would not give rise to the impact upon the Registered Monument,” he said.

“The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

An Bord Pleanála, keeping with the recommendation of the planning inspector, granted permission for the proposed development.