Mayo council planners 'to be convinced' by suitability of boutique Achill hotel

Mayo County Council 'remain to be convinced' by the suitability of a proposed 12-suite boutique hotel to be developed on Achill Island.

A planning application made by Trasa Jones was lodged with Mayo County Council in November to develop a 12-suite hotel, including spa and leisure facilities, a wedding function room, cinema, yoga studio, and amenities for wellness retreats in the village of Dooagh on Achill Island.

Located adjacent to Dooagh Beach, the project will involve the demolition of an existing dwelling house and replace it with a luxury hotel which the applicant says will deliver 'an unparalleled visitor experience'.

However, Mayo County Council planners have written to the applicant’s architects seeking further information regarding the project after raising concerns regarding the suitability of the development at the location.

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“In the absence of a more detailed visual impact assessment/appraisal, Mayo County Council remains to be convinced as to the suitability of the proposed development. The proposed development significantly varies from the existing style and pattern of development in the general vicinity,” the planners advised Westport-based architect Keith Walsh.

The planners also expressed dissatisfaction with with the findings and conclusions reached under the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report submitted by the applicant.

“Factoring in the scale and nature of the development and the proximity to the adjoining Natura 2000 network (ie) the Achill Head SAC Site Code 002268, a Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement (NIS) would be required in this instance to determine if the proposed development, by itself or in combination with other development in the vicinity, would be likely to have a significant effect on European site(s).”

Concerns were also raised regarding potential negative impact on adjoining residential amenity and road safety in the area.

Among the submissions, council planners have asked from the applicant include a photomontage of the proposed development as it will be visible from the various vantage points.

The applicant was also asked to submit an audit on car parking at the proposed development to include ‘wedding function’ parking demand for guests and staff and to confirm proposals to ensure no overflow parking potentially occurs on the R319 / Dooagh Beach access road.

The design of the 'Beach House Hotel' was drawn by Westport-based Keith Walsh Architects who stated in a report submitted to Mayo County Council that the design 'reflects a careful and considered response to the unique context of its location on Achill Island'.

“Every aspect of the architecture is informed by the surrounding landscape, the sloping topography, and the desire to create a sustainable, luxurious, and immersive experience for guests,” the design report read.

The total floor area of the hotel will be 1,662 square metres and will be 'seamlessly nestled into this natural gradient, ensuring that it is both visually unobtrusive and harmoniously integrated into the landscape'.

The design will include a stone-walled courtyard located near the road as well as a sea terrace which 'offers a dramatic yet tranquil outdoor experience, ideal for relaxation or events, with uninterrupted sea views'.

Mayo County Council also asked for a Flood Risk Assessment which will have 'particular regard to the possibility of wave over topping of the site'.