Slane development turned down by Bord
Plans for tourist accommodation units in grounds of Cillghrian Glebe
PLANS for the development of a number of two and three storey tourist accommodation units in the grounds of the former Cillghrian Glebe in the centre of Slane have been turned down by An Bord Pleanala.
The developers had sought a 36-bedroom two to three storey tourist accommodation block as well as four 2 storey dwellings at the rear of properties on Chapel Street and to the east of the tourist accommodation block and 15 two storey dwelling, proposed in the garden area to the east of Cillghrian House (Protected Structure) and south of Mount Charles Lodge (Protected Structure).
Meath CC had granted permission with conditions.
Summing up, the Board remarked, ‘ having regard to the provisions of the Slane Written Statement, as introduced by Variation No. 2 of the Meath County Development Plan 20132019, which discourage development that would lead to a loss of, or cause damage to, the character, the principal components of, or the setting of the special historic interest of Slane’s important protected structures, and which recommends that the two protected structures, Cill Ghrian and Mount Charles Lodge, remain as they were originally intended, as private residences within their own grounds, it is considered that the proposed development, by reason of its layout, configuration and design, would impact adversely on the character and setting of the protected structures and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,’ they stated.
The Board inspector had recommended the development, adding, ‘ having regard to the zoning objectives for the area and the provisions of the Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019; the central location of the site within Slane and the pattern, character and appearance of existing and permitted development in the area it is considered that the proposed development, subject to compliance with the conditions set out, would constitute an appropriate development at this location which would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would be acceptable in terms of its urban design and impact on protected structures and designated conservation areas that are proximate to the appeal site. The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.’
The site, with a stated area of 1.54 hectares, would also have included 87 car parking spaces.
The initial assessment noted that the site is zoned A2 ‘New Residential’ and B1 ‘ Town Centre’ and that residential and guest house / hotel uses are permitted in principle or open for consideration.
A total of 54 third party submissions were received and considered by the Planning Authority and they included density, the need for a Masterplan, haphazard layout, as well as plus factors, including the increase in population living and working in Slane and community engagement welcomed and community gain will arise from new open space.