Changes wanted on shipping headquarters

AN application has been lodged to modify plans for Arklow Shipping’s new headquarters on the North Quay in Arklow.

Arklow Shipping has submitted an application to the planning section of Wicklow County Council to change the development at the former Ergas Site on the Mill Road which was given the green light last August.

Proposed changes include the relocation of the external plant room to a new position adjacent to the southwestern site boundary and the provision of a 42sq.m steel storage and maintenance shed. Permission is also sought to reconfigure the site plan including access roads and ramps within the site, update landscaping proposals, reduce the overall car parking numbers from 90 to 80 and other associated site works.

The application also seeks to reduce the overall building height by 600mm, make minor design changes to the elevations including the western stair core, ground floor store area, former external plant area and former balcony at second floor. The plan also includes the enclosure of a 36 sq.m balcony space to form an internal meeting room/office space, with an openable glazed screen and handrail.

Last August, Arklow Shipping, Ireland’s largest shipping company, was given the go-ahead to develop a new three-storey headquarters, 90 car parking spaces, 20 bicycle parking spaces and other associated works at the site on the Mill Road in Arklow.

A decision on the application to modify the existing planning permission is due by August 23.