Planning is approved for Mayo town centre development

A town centre retail and apartment development in Castlebar has been granted planning permission despite some local concerns.

Mayo County Council has been given the go-ahead for Jackita Ltd to demolish an existing derelict two-storey building on Main St and to construct a new mixed-use building comprising a retail unit at ground-floor level, two apartments at first-floor level, and two apartments at second-floor level.

The existing building, located adjacent to Fahey’s Gift Shop, had previously housed two retail units which were destroyed by a fire in the mid-2000s. The site also extends to the rear and borders Castle St car park.

The project will see the construction of a three-storey building with basement floor area of 1,120 square metres. The new building would consist of a lower ground floor with a bin store and bicycle store area, a 287sq m ground-floor retail unit, as well as a store, toilet, and canteen.

The first floor will consist of two two-bedroomed apartments with an area of 106sq m and 119sq m with access to an external terrace, while the second floor will be made up of a pair of two-bedroomed apartments which will also have an area of 106sq m and 119 sq m.

Submissions were received by neighbouring property owners. Mary Fahey Tighe expressed concern in relation to the protection of the adjoining property during demolition and excavation works as well as the potential of loss of light. Michael Baynes voiced concerns over the omission of windows from elevations submitted with a request for clarity with regard to the removal of the stone wall along the northern boundary.

In his report, Philip Prendergast, the executive architect for the Castlebar Municipal District, suggested that the applicant should increase the number of windows at the lower levels of the proposed rear elevation, to animate the facade. He also sought clarification regarding any future development of the site and the use of the proposed ‘general first floor external terrace’.

Further information was provided by the applicant in relation to issues raised by planners.