A plan for a new bar and extension to a popular Letterkenny licensed premises has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanala after an appeal by a local planning consultant was turned down.
In April, Donegal County Council gave the green light to the owners of the popular Central Bar on Upper Main Street to expand into a disused commercial premises next door.
The applicants, Michael and Mark Blaney, were seeking to make a series of extensive conversion works.
The proposed works include a new rear extension to the neighbouring commercial premises and a new side extension of the existing Central Bar and Lounge would form a new bar, lounge, kitchen, and accessible toilet facilities.
The development would also involve the conversion of existing office space into an off-licence area and the construction of a new external smoking area.
However, an appeal against the council’s decision was lodged with ABP last August by planning consultant, Gerard Convie.
According to planning documents, he claimed the Blaney’s proposal may fulfil some of the objectives of the Letterkenny Town Plan. But, he argued, their plan ‘fails in some aspects’ of ‘some of the other objectives’ of the town plan.
While the plans refer to a refurbishment and extension, he claimed ‘the real intention’ was to convert the Central into a nightclub.
Mr Convey cited that the best way to tackle dereliction in town centres is to introduce more residential development.
“Is this the best use of the subject vacant property on the main street of our county’s major town as use for yet another licensed premises,” he asked.
He added there are already eight licensed premises on Letterkenny’s main thoroughfare and there is no mention of external signage in the new application.
Mr Convie refered to ‘badly designed’ neon signs which have resulted in ‘monstrosities’ containing similar bars on the lower end of the main street.
He also objected on a number of technical grounds, including wastewater treatment and transport.
However, An Bord Pleanala has now decided to grant permission for the development despite the appeal.
The authority outlined its reasons for granting permission.
It said the proposed development is ‘open for consideration’ having regard to the ‘Town Centre’ zoning objective of the Letterkenny Plan and Transport Plan 2023-2029.
ABP explained “It is considered that the proposed development is appropriate given the nature of the use proposed and the location of the site within the town centre.
“The proposed design and appearance of the buildings is considered to be appropriate. The proposed development would not have a negative impact on the amenity of the surrounding area, nor will it result in a
significant impact on the capacity of the surrounding road network.
“The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”