2560142

The development will consist of the demolition of the existing public house and residential building and the construction of a proposed new café restaurant including preparation of hot and cold food, a food and beverage retail outlet with dine-in and takeaway services on the ground floor and a two-bed apartment on the first floor, including new shopfront, proposed new roof lights and clerestory glazing to the rear and all associated lighting, signage, drainage and service connections.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed demolition of a building listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) and located within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is contrary to local planning policies that prioritize the preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures over demolition.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The demolition of a building listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) would materially and adversely affect the character and special interest of the Westport Architectural Conservation Area.
  • The proposal contravenes specific objectives of the Westport Local Area Plan 2024-2030, specifically Objective BEO 1 and Policy BEP 6, which seek to preserve the historic streetscape and encourage the reuse of vernacular buildings.
  • The loss of the existing structure would seriously injure the amenities of the area and depreciate the value of property in the vicinity by undermining the architectural integrity of the historic urban core.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Objective BEO 1Policy BEP 6Westport Local Area Plan 2024-2030

Decision Document Summary

The applicant sought permission for the demolition of a derelict two-storey former public house and residential building on James Street, Westport, to be replaced by a new café restaurant and a first-floor apartment. Although the site is zoned for town centre use, it is situated within an Architectural Conservation Area and the building is recorded on the NIAH. The application was refused because the proposed demolition would negatively impact the historic character of the area and fails to comp...
SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.