2560135

development which will consist of the following: • Retention of 3No. existing first floor short term bedrooms and change of use from 3No. private residential bedrooms to commercial short-term accommodation. • Change of use of the existing two storey structure to the south of the site from existing office / storage areas to proposed bar / commercial short-term accommodation. • Permission for proposed demolitions to include the removal of existing temporary roofs over the existing covered outdoor areas, removal of internal walls, snug areas, toilets and storerooms with sections of roofs over to ground floor level. Demolition of existing derelict section of first floor bedroom, sitting room kitchen and linen areas being used as storge areas. • Permission for the refurbishment, remodelling and proposed new extension to the existing ground floor of The Crossed Keys Bar area consisting of new toilet layouts, cold room store, 2no. seated snug areas, function room, food preparation area, ancillary storage areas. New enclosed parking area and internal gated pedestrian access lane off Austin Friars Street to new first floor short term Accommodation and ground floor function room with new fire exit door on rear elevation to existing rear access lane. • Permission for the refurbishment, remodelling and proposed new extension to the existing first floor with additional floorspace to existing short term accommodation consisting of 10No. new guest rooms with ensuites, ancillary storerooms and 1No. new one bed studio. • Permission for proposed connections to existing on-site services together with all ancillary and associated site works. This application relates to proposed works to the Crossed Keys Bar which is in the proximity of neighbouring protected structures (19-23 Austin Friars Street, Mullingar, Westmeath NIAH Reg. No. 15310120). The proposed works are located within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and within a zone of Archaeological potential.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed development represents an over-intensification of a constrained site, providing sub-standard tourist accommodation with significant fire safety deficiencies and inadequate occupant amenity.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposal constitutes over-development of the site, resulting in sub-standard room sizes, poor ventilation, and inadequate daylight that would negatively impact the amenities of future occupants.
  • The application fails to demonstrate compliance with fire safety standards, specifically regarding fire tender access, water provision for firefighting, and adequate internal fire escape windows and stairwell protection.
  • The design and layout fail to respect the character of the adjoining NIAH protected structures and would set an undesirable precedent for poorly designed, monotonous forms within the Architectural Conservation Area.

Cited Policies (CDP)

CPO 6.27CPO 6.29CPO 6.30P-TRM3P-TRM4O-LZ2

Decision Document Summary

This application proposed the renovation and extension of 'The Crossed Keys' public house on Austin Friars Street, Mullingar, to include 14 short-term tourist accommodation units. The site is located within an Architectural Conservation Area and is adjacent to protected structures. Westmeath County Council refused permission primarily because the development was deemed an over-intensification of the site that offered a sub-standard level of accommodation for guests. Additionally, the proposal fa...
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