No go-ahead for ATM outside Westport pub premises

AN Bord Pleanála have turned down plans to locate an ATM outside a pub in Westport.

Euronet 360 Finance Ltd. had sought permission to install the machine at An File, which is located at the Octagon. The site is within the Westport architectural conservation area.

There were no third party objections to the ATM, but Mayo County Council planners were concerned about the impact on the character of the area and turned it down for planning permission.

That decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

In the appeal, Euronet said there was a demonstratable need for an ATM service within the area to accommodate the local businesses and tourist footfall.

No submissions or observations were received from local retailers in opposition to the proposal.

It was also submitted that there would be alterations to the branding/colour scheme of the proposed installation to suit the local environment.

The board, in rejecting the proposal, said having regard to the character of the existing structure and to the established pattern, scale and architectural character of Westport Town Centre Architectural Conservation Area, it considered the development, by way of its design in combination with the current shopfront, notwithstanding the revised proposals submitted with the appeal, would fail to integrate satisfactorily with the existing building. As a result, the proposed development would be obtrusive in impact and would set an undesirable precedent for similar development in the area.

It was contrary to the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and also to the Westport Town and Environs Development Plan 2010-2016.