Plans to redevelop historic Mayo building are rejected

Planners at Mayo Co Council have rejected a proposal to redevelop the old bank building at Lower James Street in Claremorris into apartments.

The building is a protected structure dating back to the late 1800s and the council deemed that the project would impact negatively on the streetscape as well as create a traffic hazard. 

The local authority's architectural conservation office in Mayo County Council said the derelict building is worthy of protection due to its good craftsmanship such as carpentry and joinery, plasterwork and ornate plasterwork ceilings in addition to fixtures and fittings such as the staircase and fireplaces.

Senior planner John McMyler noted that the full planning application for the site was to demolish three houses, a garage and outbuildings, as well as the partial demolition and redevelopment of the old bank building to facilitate the creation of 27 apartments. Mr McMyler noted that the applicant "did not engage in any preplanning discussions", although they did reduce the number of apartments to 20.

“The site is situated close to a busy intersection controlled by traffic lights and is viewed from several public realms thereby harnessing the potential to create a strong building edge on the approach to Claremorris town which would revitalise this area. While this proposal represents the welcome redevelopment and re-use of several properties, the proposed design must be appropriate and must protect the character and integrity of the protected structure i.e. a Victorian townhouse."

Mr McMyler said the proposed development would have a “jarring impact on the streetscape” and potentially create a traffic hazard, due to "proximity to road junctions with traffic lights, interchanges and roundabouts".

Independent Cllr Richard Finn, who has lobbied extensively for the redevelopment, told the March monthly meeting of Mayo Co Council that he was very disappointed with the decision. He said the cost of the development would be exorbitant for any developer and it would not be viable to build back up the interior of the old bank to the necessary requirements without a “substantial contribution" from the Government or the council.

"No person could afford to renovate a townhouse to the extent of what it was 100 years ago, and if you are truly to do it, it will cost a fortune.” 

He also rejected the assertion that there had been no pre-planning discussions with the council, saying that “one of the top architects in this country approved the design".

Cllr Finn said a new application will be submitted shortly and appealed to council chief executive Kevin Kelly to intervene in the matter, noting that Claremorris "needed" the project. 

In response, Mr Kelly said: "Everyone wants to see that site redeveloped but it must meet viability and good quality development issues. It is very important that pre-planning consultations take place on such an application but in this scenario, there was none, I understand, and it is the planning department that is authorised to make planning decisions.”