Major investment for Mayo town centre “being stymied by planners”
AN elected member of Mayo County Council has expressed disappointment that a proposed major mixed-use investment development on the site of the former Convent of Mercy at Rock Square, Castlebar, "is being stymied" by the authority's planning department.
The planning application, by the Mall Syndicate and owners of the site, consists of 66 residential/apartment units and a 104-bed nursing home which can be changed to accommodate more residential units if required.
Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said the developers have done a huge amount of work on the project and paid in the region of €200,000 in architects' fees.
The syndicate is interested in exploring the possibilities of the below-cost rental model with a subvention that was announced recently by Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien.
Speaking at yesterday's meeting of the council, Councillor Kilcoyne said that at a time of housing needs and with almost 200 people in emergency accommodation, it is frustrating the planners are raising so many issues in regard to the proposal. It seems they are styming it.
"I have been informed they don’t like the demographic mix of housing for older people in the scheme.
"The planners have reservations about the dual aspect of some of the apartments while they are saying not enough parking is being provided.
"This is despite the fact a public car park is located at the front of the proposed building and will be empty at the time when visitors are most likely to come. I am also told the planners don’t like the nursing home idea.
"The developers have grown very frustrated and are wondering why they are bothering at all.
"I am extremely concerned we are going to lose this investment," he added.
Councillor Blackie Gavin supported his colleague, saying this is a fully serviced site and a welcome development for the county town.
He seconded a proposal by Councillor Kilcoyne that a site visit would take place.
This is a 'golden opportunity' to bring people back into the heart of the town, he added.
Director of services Catherine McConnell said further information had been requested in respect of the application. She described it as a 'straight forward' request and they were working with the developer.
Once live, it would be unusual to start involving the elected members but if there was a specific issue she asked councillors to come to her.
Chief executive Kevin Kelly said the planners have done a lot of work with the developer to make sure there is a good development in a town centre location.