Gate lodge plan approved at heritage Mayo house

CARNACON House is to have a new gate lodge.

Plans for the residence, within the curtilage of this protected structure at Carrownagreggaun, Ballyglass, have been approved by Mayo County Council.

While planners initially expressed concern about its impact on the setting of Carnacon House, they were happy when the lodge was set back further from the avenue to lessen the impact on the house, its front wall and entrance gates.

An architectural heritage impact assessment submitted to the council set out how Carnacon House, built in 1740, presents an important component of the mid 18th century domestic built heritage of south Mayo.

Historically, a gatekeeper's lodge or gate lodge was a small building, situated at the entrance to the estate of a country house. They became fashionable in the Georgian era. During the 18th century, they developed into a visual statement, designed to give an initial impression of the landowner's wealth and taste.

The proposed lodge is in character with Carnacon House and is being built for a member of the Hughes family, who wishes to return to live beside her family, near her ancestorial home, Carnacon House.

Planners were told the Hughes family have a personal objective to protect the natural and built environment and cultural heritage of Carnacon House for future generations.

The family have cared for the protected structure and its setting over many decades and have ensured its survival.

The proposed gate lodge has been sensitively designed so as not to impact on the setting of the protected structure or impact on the protected structure itself.