Refusal appealed

Mayo restaurateur to appeal refusal

Claire Egan

THE proprietor of the Danolla’s restaurant chain has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála over the refusal by Mayo County Council of planning permission for a pizza restaurant and take-away in Ballinrobe.
Mr Liam O’Connell, who operates restaurants in Castlebar and Westport, lodged the appeal with the board on October 19 and a decision is due in March 2008.
Mayo County Council refused Mr O’Connell permission for the restaurant at Abbey Street, Friarsquarter West on the grounds that such a business would depreciate the value of buildings in the vicinity and adversely affect the development of the area.
The Council also said that ‘where residential properties exist and where the proposed restaurant and take-away is adjacent to a public house it is considered that the development of a proposed restaurant and take-away with opening hours until midnight would seriously injure the amenities and depreciate the value of properties in the vicinity’.
The initial decision by the local authority came on foot of a successful application for an Italian restaurant at Bowgate Street, Ballinrobe. Permission was granted on condition that the restaurant did not operate a take-away service, following objections by local residents.