Hostel plan for former Mayo cap factory approved

PLANS to convert a landmark property in the heart of Westport town into a hostel have been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

It involves the old cap factory building, which dates from the 1830s/40s, in the Bridge Street/James Street car park, which is to be developed into a 13-bedroom hostel.

A previous apartments plan for the vacant building was rejected by Mayo County Council, but the local authority approved the hostel proposal.

That decision was the subject of three third party appeals. And Councillor Peter Flynn also made a submission to the appeals board, expressing his view that the proposal would create substandard tourist accommodation.

An Coimisiún Pleanála, in granting planning permission, found the proposed development would provide an acceptable form of tourism accommodation in a central location, and would not result in significant adverse impacts on adjoining properties or damage the special character of the Architectural Conservation Area.

An inspector for the board had recommended refusal. In deciding not to accept that recommendation, the Commission noted concerns raised in the grounds of appeal in relation to the applicant’s legal interest and ability to carry out the proposed development.

It noted documents submitted by the applicant to the planning authority demonstrating legal interest and noted that the planning authority was satisfied to grant permission.

The Development Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2007) state that “only where it is clear from the response that the applicant does not have sufficient legal interest should permission be refused on that basis”.

The Commission decided that disputed matters related to access and use of the laneway and yard for the purposes of the proposed development are of a civil nature, and determined that this was not grounds for refusal in itself.