Controversy over Anaverna Gate Lodge
AN application to remove the North Gate Lodge at Annavera from the Louth County Council Record of Protected Structures (RPS) was agreed by a majority vote of the council at the monthly meeting.
But the decision, made only after a roll call of councillors, was not without controversy.
Cllr. Marianne Butler voiced her opposition to the proposal, which was submitted by owner Vere Lenox- Conyngham.
She said it was important that the council protect the record of protected structures, adding ‘either they mean something or they don’t.’
A report had been provided to councillors from a Senior Architectural Advisor at the Department of Culture and Heritage.
It recommended that the building remained on the RPS, and that the local authority worked with the owner ‘ to repair this significant piece of architectural heritage and restore its character.’
Speaking after the council meeting, Cllr. Mark Dearey criticised Chief Executive, Joan Martin, for ‘ the dis-regard shown to the report from the council’s own conservation officer.’
He said it had been outlined that a structure was only to be removed from the RPS ‘under exceptional circumstances.’
‘ This was a very clear recommendation, but the Chief Executive did not even refer to it,’ Cllr. Dearey told the Argus.