Traditional Mayo pub wins planning battle

 

A PROPOSAL by one of Mayo's oldest and most traditional public houses to extend their business has been given the go-ahead.

An Bord Pleanála upheld the decision of Mayo County Council to grant permission to Johnny McHale's, Newline, Castlebar, for the construction of a new basement to accommodate a cold room, extension to ground floor area, conversion of first floor to public house use and extend first floor for use as a public house.

An appeal against the council's ruling had been submitted by the Rathbawn Drive Residents Association.

Planning inspector Dolores McCague, who visited the site, expressed satisfaction that any increase in parking demand associated with the proposed development can be accommodated on-street or in off-street car parks and that the lack of on-site car parking provision should not be a reason to refuse permission.

She also referred to the appellants raising a concern about what they considered to be misleading public notices, in which 'there was no reference to the altering of site boundaries and that the proposed development represents encroachment by stealth into residential areas'.

“In my opinion the notices alert interested parties to the application wherein greater detail is available with regard to all aspects of the application. I am satisfied as to the adequacy of notices.

“I am also satisfied that the zoning objectives and plan policies provide for the proposed extension notwithstanding the existing residential use of part of the site,” she said.