Decision to reject Westport school plan appealed

AN appeal has been lodged against a decision rejecting a proposal to use a former social welfare office building as a school for Westport Educate Together.

Mayo County Council refused permission for a change of use of the old social welfare premises at Prospect Avenue, Westport. It was also proposed to extend the property.

The council received two objections to the application. Concerns included traffic, noise, safety, access by residents and car parking.

It was proposed that the premises would have four classrooms, with a maximum of 100 people, including staff.

With no parking on site, a proposal was put forward to allocate a time for bus drop-off together with a pedestrian crossing and new path.

Planners ruled the change of use was not acceptable given the lack of parking facilities or set-down area. The development would endanger public safety through traffic hazard and obstruction of road users.

Westport Educate Together have now appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála.

A decision is due by the end of April.