New lease of life for derelict property on Mayo street

A DERELICT property on Castlebar's Ellison Street is to be given a new lease of life.

Planning has been granted for a retail unit with four overhead apartments in a 'living over the shop' type scheme.

The site is located opposite the Bank of Ireland and its rear abuts the Mall open space area. New Life Properties Ltd. are behind the development, which has been given the green light by Mayo County Council.

A council planner's report said the proposal making vital and viable a derelict town centre property is welcomed. There is a section along this primary town centre area of Castlebar suffering from dereliction.

The proposal for living above the shop was acceptable but the recommendation was that only four apartments be permitted – the original proposal contained six.

One observation submitted on the proposal highlighted how the facade of the existing building is a rare example of a preserved townhouse in Castlebar.

As many of these were altered through the insertion of shops, bars, etc., to the detriment of the character of the street over the years, they submitted that this should not be permitted in this case.

Another submission raised concern about the extent of demolition in the proposal, saying it was entirely at odds with previous permissions for the site and this must be reflected in the new plan to protect this historically significant townhouse.