Mayo publican lodges appeal against Westport 'boutique hostel'

A WESTPORT publican has appealed a decision by Mayo County Council to grant planning permission to convert the old Cap Factory Building in the centre of Westport into an eight bedroom 'boutique hostel'.

Joe O'Malley, the proprietor of The Porter House pub on Bridge Street in Westport lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against the decision to grant planning permission to Sligo-based developer Brendan Power to develop and renovate the derelict building located between Bridge Street and James Street in Westport into a hostel.

In his appeal to An Bord Pleanala, Mr O'Malley outlined six grounds of appeal in relation to the proposed development which included insufficient legal interest, poor quality tourism accommodation and concern over potential future change of use.

The old Cap Factory building is located behind both The Porter House and Matt Molloy's pub. Both publicans had previously objected to claims by Mr Power to the right of way of an alleyway between the two pubs which he proposed to use as access to the development.

Mr O'Malley claimed that the applicant has failed to provide sufficient legal interest for a laneway to connect the old Cap Factory building to Bridge Street. He added that access to the laneway is essential to enable the proposed development to be carried out.

In his application to Mayo County Council, Mr Power's architect, Simon O'Dowd stated that he does not wish to register with Fáilte Ireland because the 'onerous requirements of the Tourist Traffic Acts are unsuitable for the existing structure and may make the business less viable'. He added that he does not intend to advertise the business as a 'Youth Hostel' or 'Holiday Hostel' but would describe it as 'Boutique Hostel Accommodation'.

In his appeal, Mr O'Malley described this assertion as 'absurd' and added 'the fact is that the internal design of the proposed hostel will provide for a sub-standard form of accommodation and amenity for future occupants'.

Mr O'Malley stated that the applicant proposes a 'cramped kitchen/dining area' and pointed out that while 56 bed spaces are to be provided, 'only' eight dining seats are indicated in the dining area. He claimed that this is 'grossly inadequate' and would present 'a very poor quality accommodation offering'.

“We would submit that the proposed development would result in a substandard level of development, fail to provide a satisfactory standard of amenity for future occupants and would depreciate the value of property in the vicinity and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” Mr O'Malley stated while also requesting An Bord Pleanála to ask their experts to examine all fire safety aspects of the proposed development.

A leave of appeal was also lodged with An Bord Pleanála by Aidan Murphy of Ennistymon, Co Clare who stated he is the owner of an adjoining premises and the ground floor which is 'supporting part of the two upper floors' of the proposed development.

Mr Murphy claimed that the proposed development will impact land he owns and will 'leave me vulnerable to the possibility of damage to my premises'.

Mr Power had originally sought permission to develop the old Cap Factory Building which dates back to the early 19th century into a 13 bedroom hostel. However, following opposition he revised his plans and reduced the number of proposed bedrooms from 13 to eight.

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

The building is within the Architectural Conservation Area of the town and has been derelict since it closed in the 1980s. Mr Power has been seeking to develop the building for the last number of years without success.

An application in 2021 to develop apartments and a work unit in the old Cap Factory were turned down by both Mayo County Council and An Bord Pleanála.