Appeal over controversial Mayo apartments plan is rejected

An appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a 19-unit apartment development at the site of the former Coal Bunker on the Pontoon Road/Turlough Road junction in Castlebar has been rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The planning appeals board agreed with Mayo County Council's decision that the proposal would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the location.

The ruling further outlined: "It would constitute over-development of the site as the proposed density is excessive."

The board added that in the absence of car parking, the project would be seriously deficient, thereby leading to conditions that would be prejudicial to public safety by reason of traffic hazard.

The appeal had been lodged on behalf of the developer Harold Conway.

Local councillors Blackie Gavin, Harry Barrett and Michael Kilcoyne had made written representations to the original planning application, stating their objections to the proposals.