Ice House saga finally at an end

Ice House saga finally at an end

Michael Duffy

A TWO-and-a-half year saga regarding developments at Ballina’s Ice House looks to be finally at an end as An Bord Pleanála last week gave the go-ahead for alterations to an already approved hotel development at the protected structure.
The applicant, Pearse Farrell, first applied for planning permission back in December 2004  and was eventually granted permission by the board for a 24-bedroom hotel with public bar, restaurant and spa development after seven appeals were lodged by third parties.
Ballina Town Council then granted permission to Mr Farrell earlier this year to allow him to make alterations to the development and this permission was appealed by Michael and Marie Horan, Peter and Mary Larkin and the Concerned Quay Residents Association.
The appellants felt the new permission constituted an over-development of the site as it had four more bedrooms, they felt noise levels would be exacerbated, that the addition of an outdoor jacuzzi was an example of the ‘ongoing tinkering with the application’ and that the amenity of the residents in the vicinity was being compromised by construction activity on the site.
However, in his decision, Mr Paul Caprani of An Bord Pleanála said that he felt the extensions, modifications and alterations proposed were relatively minor in nature and that they would not adversely impact on the surrounding residential amenities. He granted permission for the development subject to eight conditions.