West Mayo retail/accommodation project under appeal

A COUNCIL decision to refuse planning for a mixed use retail and residential development in west Mayo has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The project at Cloonlaur, Killadoon P.O., Westport, comprises a retail unit, work hub, and four 2-bed apartments.

The development was proposed by Michael F. and Rita O’Malley to provide a community hall for local residents as well as tourist accommodation for visitors along the Wild Atlantic Way.

The site is adjacent to Killeen Church and across the road from Killeen Graveyard. Killeen community playground is close by and there are also several existing houses nearby.

Mayo County Council refused permission, saying the location, in an unserviced rural area, would be out of character and would seriously injure the amenities of the area and property in the vicinity.

It would also set an undesirable precedent for similar multi-unit type developments outside of designated settlements identified in the county development plan's core strategy. The council also found the proposal would militate against the preservation of the rural environment, lead to demands for the uneconomic provision of public services and communal facilities, and would contribute to the erosion of the visual and environmental amenity of the area, interfering with the character of the landscape at this location which it is necessary to preserve.

That decision has been appealed by the developers, with a decision due before the end of November.