Core Refusal Reason
The proposed retention of the timber structure was refused due to its poor design and material finish, which negatively impacts the character and setting of a protected structure and is visually intrusive from the public realm.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The timber frame pergola with a Perspex roof is considered to be of poor design quality and material finish, failing to respect the character and integrity of the protected structure (RPS No. 179).
- The structure is visually intrusive when viewed from Strand Street and the adjacent car park, thereby injuring the visual amenities and streetscape of the area and depreciating the value of property in the vicinity.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for similar substandard developments and would directly contravene specific heritage and design policies of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the Athlone Town Development Plan.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 14.29P-RET1P-RET2P-BH2P-BH3P-BH4P-BH6P-CA3
Decision Document Summary
This application sought the retention of a covered timber structure used for outdoor dining in the rear yard of the Burgess Department Store at 1-7 Church Street, Athlone. The site is a protected structure (RPS No. 179) located in a prominent position addressing Lloyds Lane and Strand Street. Westmeath County Council refused the application primarily because the design and materials of the pergola were deemed incompatible with the architectural heritage of the building. The Planning Authority co...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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