Mayo council planners issue ultimatum for information on proposed island hotel

Mayo County Council planners have given the architects of a new boutique hotel on Achill Island until the end of October to comply with their requests for further information on the application.

A planning application made by Trasa Jones was lodged with Mayo County Council last November to develop a 12-suite hotel, including spa and leisure facilities, a wedding function room, cinema, yoga studio, and amenities for wellness retreats in the village of Dooagh on Achill Island.

In January, Mayo County Council planners sought further information on aspects of the proposed development and the applicant's architect was given six months to adhere to the request.

However, Keith Walsh of Westport-based Keith Walsh Architects, who prepared the design of the 'Beach House Hotel' which is to be located adjacent to Dooagh beach, wrote to the planning department seeking an extension of time to provide the information.

“Additional time is required in order to complete the necessary reports and assessments requested under the Further Information letter,” he wrote on July 22.

In response the planning department granted an additional three months to provide the further information but stressed that failure to provide the information before October 27 will 'result in a declaration that the planning application has been withdrawn'.

The proposed development overlooking the Atlantic will consist of the demolition of an existing dwelling house known as the Beach House and replace it with a luxury hotel which the applicant says will deliver 'an unparalleled visitor experience'.

However, Mayo County Council planners wrote to Mr Walsh expressing concerns regarding the suitability of the development at the location.

“In the absence of a more detailed visual impact assessment/appraisal, Mayo County Council remains to be convinced as to the suitability of the proposed development. The proposed development significantly varies from the existing style and pattern of development in the general vicinity,” the planners advised.

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The planners also expressed dissatisfaction with the findings and conclusions reached under the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report submitted by the applicant.

Concerns were also raised regarding potential negative impact on adjoining residential amenity and road safety in the area.

Among the submissions, council planners have asked from the applicant include a photomontage of the proposed development as it will be visible from the various vantage points.

The applicant was also asked to submit an audit on car parking at the proposed development to include ‘wedding function’ parking demand for guests and staff and to confirm proposals to ensure no overflow parking potentially occurs on the R319 / Dooagh Beach access road.

In a design report submitted to Mayo County Council, Mr Walsh states that the design 'reflects a careful and considered response to the unique context of its location on Achill Island'.

“Every aspect of the architecture is informed by the surrounding landscape, the sloping topography, and the desire to create a sustainable, luxurious, and immersive experience for guests,” the design report read.

The total floor area of the hotel will be 1,662 square metres and will be 'seamlessly nestled into this natural gradient, ensuring that it is both visually unobtrusive and harmoniously integrated into the landscape'.

The design will include a stone-walled courtyard located near the road as well as a sea terrace which 'offers a dramatic yet tranquil outdoor experience, ideal for relaxation or events, with uninterrupted sea views'.

Mayo County Council also asked for a Flood Risk Assessment which will have 'particular regard to the possibility of wave over topping of the site'.