Appeals board rejects apartments plan for former west Mayo cap factory building

A PROPOSAL to develop apartments in a landmark property in the heart of Westport town has been rejected by An Bord Pleanála.

The dilapidated former cap factory in the Bridge Street/James Street car park was the subject of a proposal by Brendan Power to convert the building for residential use.

The development proposed was for one 1-bed apartment, two 2-bed apartments and one 3-bed apartment.

Mayo County Council refused planning permission and An Bord Pleanála have now upheld that decision following an appeal by the developer.

Council planners found that the apartments would have a lack of private amenity space and would injure the amenities and depreciate the value of property in the vicinity and would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.

An inspector with An Bord Pleanála noted how the building has been unoccupied since the early 1980s and is in a significant state of dereliction and disrepair.

The board agreed with their inspector's finding that permission should be refused.

They found the proposal would result in a substandard level of development, it failed to provide a satisfactory standard of amenity for future residents, and would depreciate the value of property in the vicinity.