Go-ahead for redevelopment of vacant property in Mayo county town

A PROMINENT vacant property in Castlebar can be redeveloped after receiving the go-ahead from An Bord Pleanála.

Located at Mountain View Road, Vivian Hussey has been given approval for the demolition of a derelict house and construction of a two-storey over basement building, comprising two retail units at basement level, retail space at ground floor level and offices at first floor level.

The site adjoins the junction between Mountain View/Westport Road and Stephen Garvey Way and its redevelopment was approved by Mayo County Council.

In appealing that decision, the appellant raised a number of concerns, including that the development was excessive in size for the footprint of the site and would affect their privacy and overshadow their property.

There was concern too about the impact from increased traffic that the proposal would generate.

There was also concern that an open area in front of the proposed building could become a venue for anti-social behaviour.

An inspector with An Bord Pleanála recommended planning be granted, subject to a number of conditions.

The board agreed, saying the redevelopment of the site to provide shops and offices would, under the town centre zoning, be permissible in principle.

The building would be of an appropriate density for its location and subject to several elevational amendments, would be compatible with the visual and residential amenities of the area.