REFUSED: Permission denied for changes to iconic Kilkenny building
A decision has been made by Kilkenny County Council
A planning application from Kilkenny Carlow Methodist Society seeking permission to conduct works at Wesley House in William Street, Kilkenny City (adjacent to the Methodist Church) has been refused by Kilkenny County Council.
Sought was permission for the change of use of the three-storey dwelling to three individual single bed apartments and all associated site works.
Also sought was the removal of an existing two-storey side extension and external fire escape stairs and its replacement with a three-storey enclosed stairwell to the side of the existing four-bedroom, three storey dwelling, with 3 proposed storage sheds attached to the rear of the proposed extension.
Permission was refused by Kilkenny County Council on January 7, 2025.
According to the local authority, "The proposed development will result in the substantial loss of fabric from the building in the form of the internal stairs, doors and architraves on first and second floors to fit the proposed development. The building is a significant item of architectural, artistic, historical, and social special interest and the proposed development would be inimical to the heritage and conservation policies and objective of the Kilkenny City & County Development 2021 – 2027 and would
therefore be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area."