Planning granted to replace derelict building in south Mayo village with four apartment units

A DERELICT two-storey building in the centre of a south Mayo village is set to be demolished to make way for four apartment units after planning permission was granted.

Mayo County Council granted planning permission to CKP Properties, a Kerry-based company, to demolish a two-storey derelict building in the centre of Shrule and construct four new apartment units.

The two-storey building which currently has no roof or windows is located along the N84 on Main Street and was formerly known as M Kavanagh's.

The developers had proposed to demolish the construct four two storey apartment units with units one to three located on the existing footprint and unit four was to be a new construction to the rear with access via a rear laneway.

Unit one was to comprise a one-bedroomed 58.5 square metre apartment; unit two a two-bedroom 81 square metre apartment; unit three a three-bedroom 103 square metre apartment and unit four was to be a one-bedroom 58.5 square metre apartment.

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A submission from Lola Donoghue, who owns a studio close by raised concerns over the impact the proposed development on adjoining artists studio with particular regard to unit four which was to be located 1.85 metres from her building.

“My concerns stem from the significant impact this development would have on my studio, particularly the disruption of the natural light essential to my work as an artist. The proposed development will negatively impact the use of my property,” she stated in her submission.

Ms Donoghue also expressed concern that the proposed demolition of the traditional shopfront would adversely affect the traditional streetscape and cultural heritage of the area.

“I would argue that the proposed demolition of this traditional shopfront would erase a piece of our local history. I would also argue that such facades are intrinsic to Ireland’s design heritage and should be preserved wherever possible.

“This vernacular signage, a longstanding visual identity of our streets, is rapidly disappearing in today’s urban landscapes. Ceramic lettering with marble effect which was used in this shopfront is indicative of signage from the West of Ireland. We should maintain the authenticity and charm of the streetscape,” she added.

Planners with Mayo County Council accepted the concern of Ms Donoghue regarding unit four and advised the developers to consider a redesign of it to a single storey to address this concern.

The applicants agreed to this request and also increased the separation distance between unit four and the adjoining property to 2.8m.

As a result, Mayo County Council granted planning permission for the development subject to eight conditions.