Portwest granted planning permission to extend Mayo offices and warehouse

Mayo-based clothing company, Portwest has been granted planning permission to extend its current offices in Westport and expand the size of its warehouse.

Mayo County Council granted planning permission to Charles Hughes Ltd to develop offices and warehouses at the existing Portwest building located on the Castlebar Road in Westport, which was previously the Starlight Ballroom.

The application lodged with the council is to construct two extensions either side of the existing Portwest office, manufacturing and distribution centre which would comprise of a 1,557 square metre warehouse on one side and two storeys of offices comprising 1,038 square metres on the other.

The development is to also include a revised front elevation, revised western elevation with goods inwards and outwards, dock leveller, service yard and turning area, revised carparking and all ancillary site services. Existing outbuildings and sheds on the grounds were also to be demolished as part of the development.

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There are currently 60 Portwest employees at this location and the applicant stated that it is proposed to install an 'Auto Store' in the new warehouse section.

David O'Malley of D O'Malley & Associates, Consulting Engineers & Architects on behalf of Charles Hughes Ltd, stated in a report to Mayo County Council that the Auto Store will greatly reduce the need for 'manual handling' on site for goods inwards and outwards.

He added that it is envisaged that over the next ten years the maximum increase in employees would be 10 percent bringing the number up to a maximum of 66.

Mayo County Council planners expressed reservations regarding the proposed design of the new development stating that it 'lacks coherence' with the existing building on site and following discussions with the Westport Municipal District architect, a revised design was requested.

Following consultation with the municipal district architect, the applicant submitted revised plans in relation to the design. Planners stated that the revised plans 'provide for a more harmonised solution' to the front façade and are considered acceptable.

Other concerns raised by planners in relation to parking and landscaping were also addressed and found to be adequately addressed.

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