Mayo developer refused planning for 'visually obtrusive' Castlebar development

A PROPOSAL to regenerate a landmark site in the centre of Mayo's county town and replace it with a 26 unit apartment block building was refused.

Mayo County Council refused planning permission for the development of a mixed use housing scheme at Stephen Garvey Way and Mountain View in Castlebar stating that the proposed development would be visually obtrusive due to the 'excessive size and scale of the proposal relative to the surrounding area'.

Mayo developer Harold Conway had proposed to invest €8.5 million in regenerating the 0.08 hectare site located on the busy junction close to the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre.

The proposal included the demolition of the existing two storey dwelling house on the site and the construction of a part five storey 26 unit apartment block which would consist of 13 one bedroom apartments and 13 two bed apartments to cater for up to 78 people on completion.

It was also proposed to include a deli restaurant to front onto Mountain View as well as a large communal outdoor area to be accessible from the ground floor communal circulation area.

However, local residents expressed concern regarding the size and scale of the proposed development stating that it was not appropriate for the location and claims the proposal represents an over development of the site.

In the planners report, Mayo County Council planners considered that the proposed development in terms of its density, scale and height would be 'incongruous in its context and out of character with the surrounding buildings and streets'.

“The physical over dominance of the structure would visually alter the urban landscape at this location,” the report stated.

There were also concerns expressed regarding the number of car park spaces provided for the development with planners stating that a total of 26 car parking spaces would be required.

“With only eight spaces being provided the development is considered to be substandard and an over development in this regard.”

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Council planners also described as 'regrettable' the absence of any pre-planning consultation between Mayo County Council and the developer before the application was submitted.

As a result of concerns raised regarding the scale and height of the proposed development and the 'significant shortfall in car parking provision being provided', Mayo County Council decided to refuse planning permission for the development.

The proposed development was designed by Castlebar-based Taylor McCarney Architects and in the design statement, the architects stated that the designs give particular attention to accessible living and the units are 'integrated seamlessly into the overall scheme to accommodate older residents and those with reduced mobility'.

“The proposed development seeks to increase density in the area by providing housing on a key, centrally located site that benefits from extensive amenities and strong pedestrian accessibility. Special consideration has been given to the design of the external façade, ensuring a crafted architectural response that complements the existing built environment and contributes positively to the neighbourhood’s character.

“By offering a diverse apartment mix, the proposed scheme aims to create a vibrant and inclusive residential community, contributing positively to the social and urban fabric of the area,” the design statement read.

The architects also stated that the development explores the potential for higher density living while 'ensuring appropriate accessibility to public transport and aligning with the principles of good urban design'.

The site was subject to a previous planning application which was granted by Mayo County Council and upheld by An Bord Pleanála in January 2024. This application which was not submitted by Mr Conway involved the demolition of the same two-storey building and the construction of a two-storey over basement building comprising two retail units at basement level, retail space at ground level and offices at first floor level.