2560484

Permission for change of use from Residential / Office development to Self-Catering Tourist Accommodation (Bed & Breakfast). The development will consist of: 8 No. Ensuite bedrooms over two floors, Kitchen / Dining area, Living area and office space/storage area. Permission is also sought for a fire escape stair on the southwest elevation and all associated site works with the proposed development. Retention permission is sought for fire escape doors to the side (southwest) elevation and closing of door opening to the side (northeast) elevation and replacement of timber sash windows with replacement timber sash windows to the front and side of the main building and replacement of timber sash windows with uPVC sash style windows to the rear of the building and addition of 2 rooflights to northeast (side) elevation. Retention permission is also sought for the removal of pebbledash and reinstatement of the original rendered finish to the front (northwest) elevation, replacement of roof tiles and rainwater goods, alterations made to the internal structure and all associated site works The development consists of carrying out works to a protected structure, (St. Kevins House -RPS 019-170).

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The development was refused primarily due to its detrimental impact on the architectural and historical integrity of a Protected Structure, substandard internal design, lack of car parking, and inappropriate intensification of commercial use in a residential area.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The development, including substantial unauthorized works, is considered injurious to the architectural and historical integrity of the Protected Structure (St. Kevin's) and fails to comply with heritage protection policies.
  • The proposed internal layout is substandard and the application is ambiguous regarding the specific nature of the tourist accommodation use, leading to concerns over residential amenity and over-intensification.
  • The application fails to provide any car parking provision, which contravenes the standards set out in the Mullingar Local Area Plan.

Cited Policies (CDP)

P-BH1P-BH2P-BH3P-BH4CPO 6.27CPO 6.29P-TRM3Table 9.11CPO 14.27CPO 14.29CPO 14.31CPO 14.38O-LZ2P-TRM4CPO 6.30

Decision Document Summary

BFJ Developments sought permission and retention for the change of use of 'St. Kevins', a Protected Structure on Bishop's Gate Street, Mullingar, from residential/office use to an 8-bedroom self-catering tourist accommodation/B&B. The proposal included significant internal alterations and external works, many of which were carried out without prior consent. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the works were deemed injurious to the building's historic fabric, the documentatio...
SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.