Main pic: The traditional townhouse, and former pottery workshop, in Donegal Town. Image: Google Maps.
Plans to convert a derelict house and pottery workshop in Donegal Town to an apartment complex have been shot down again.
Killybegs-based Stylo Estates Ltd sought permission for the demolition of the existing traditional townhouse and outbuilding, at Upper Main Street.
The company had proposed to erect an apartment block containing six two-bedroom units over three floors.
However, there were a number of objections to the application.
One nearby resident argued the proposed building was ‘imposing in height’ and had the potential to block light coming into their home. They also raised road traffic concerns as the planned apartments would be situated next door to the local national school, Scoil Aodh Rua agus Nuala.
In a lengthy objection, the school’s Board of Management said the proposed development will pose a ‘serious health and safety risk’ to its 236 pupils and 40 staff. Their main concerns centred around increased traffic created by the new apartment building. They also argued that the historic two-storey townhouse should be ‘refurbished as opposed to demolished.’
Another objector stated: “I trust that the council will not let the current ownership’s neglect of the basic aesthetic maintenance of the site influence the decision toward a development that would result in a permanent loss of a small but important part of the historic townscape..”
In making their decision to refuse permission, council planners stated that, having regard to the mass and design of the proposed development that is determined to be ‘visually incongruous and overly dominant’ in the receiving landscape. They also considered that, to permit the proposed development, would be ‘detrimental to the character of the area’.
Previously, the site was subject to other applications.
In 2006, permission was granted for six apartments, but works did not proceed.
A year earlier, plans to construct two buildings and a total of 11 apartments were successfully appealed to An Bord Pleanala. The planning appeals board refused permission on the grounds of overdevelopment.
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