Plans for new restaurant, cafe, wine bar, accommodation units and gelato outlet in Kilkenny

A substantial planning application has been submitted by O’Keeffes of Kilkenny Limited to Kilkenny County Council for a major development project in the heart of Kilkenny.

The planning application development address relates to 15 and 16 John Street Lower in Kilkenny City (R95CC8N).

Development of a new part single-storey and part two-storey licensed restaurant building adjacent to the recently completed Boutique Brewhouse is being sought alongside permission for a 'change of use' of the existing Tap-Room and Wine Centre to a licensed cafe/restaurant/wine bar on ground floor with associated elevational alterations.

Also planned is the development of a new single storey retail building and permission for a 'change of use' of existing residential accommodation (single dwelling house at 15 John Street) to three short-stay boutique accommodation units with associated elevational alterations.

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As part of the application, retention permission is being sought for a 'change of use' from residential accommodation (single dwelling house at 16 John Street) to short-stay boutique accommodation.

Permission is also being sought for a 'change of use' of a ground floor stores and retail unit to a licensed whiskey retail and bar area with associated elevational alterations.

Retention permission has also been request for the 'change of use' of a store to short-stay boutique accommodation on ground and first floor with associated elevational alterations.

Another 'change of use' is being requested as a 'gelato retail unit' is planned for an existing 'store/services' area.

On the overall site, provision of a new vehicular entrance, with barrier, to the existing barriered carpark to the northwest of the site is planned - to include a reduction in the car parking provision to nine spaces.

Also planned is the removal of the existing vehicular barrier to the existing carpark to the northwest of the site and development of this existing entrance as a pedestrianised area.

Enhancement of the existing pedestrian route as passes through the site is being planned to include a new paved finish, new external seating and service areas, and a new single and two storey glazed roof over 'supported on freestanding steel columns and framework'.

New fixed and freestanding signage is also being sought as well as associated site and development works.

It has been noted in the application that 15 & 16 John Street Lower are located within the John Street Architectural Conservation Area.

15 John Street Lower is a protected structure and listed on the NIAH Main Record (12000219). 16 John Street Lower is a protected structure.

The planning application was lodged to Kilkenny County Council on February 5 and a decision is expected by April 1, 2025.

This decision timeline could be extended if the local authority deems that further information is required by the applicant.

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