Plans for new community centre (including café) in rural Kilkenny

​Plans have been lodged with Kilkenny County Council for a new community centre in Castlewarren, County Kilkenny.

​Castlewarren Community CLG is seeking planning permission for the development, which would be located in the centre of the village, opposite the church and beside the existing car parking area.

The proposed centre would include a multi-purpose sports and activity hall, meeting rooms and a café.

The plans also provide for toilets and other ancillary accommodation, a site entrance and car parking, along with a secondary wastewater treatment system with a raised soil polishing filter, soakpits and associated site works.

Documents submitted with the application state that Castlewarren Community CLG is a voluntary organisation and that the proposed facility is intended for social and recreational use by people living in the locality.

There is already a small hall beside the church which is used for community meetings.

However, the application states that its limited size prevents it from accommodating other activities or larger meetings.

The possibility of extending that building was examined, but this was deemed not viable because of its position on the streetfront and its proximity to the church graveyard.

According to the planning submission, the proposed larger centre would provide facilities for indoor activities for Castlewarren's growing population and serve as a social hub for the village.

The application notes that such a facility has been lacking, particularly since the closure of the local public house some years ago.

The proposed site is a field whose owner has agreed to a land swap involving the existing “community field” north of Castlewarren, which is currently used for outdoor community events.

The application describes the proposed village-centre location as more suitable in planning and sustainable development terms.

Consent has also been provided by the beneficial owner of the adjoining car park for the required alterations and access across those lands.

The full planning application was submitted to Kilkenny County Council on behalf of Castlewarren Community CLG.

A decision on the proposal is due from the planning authority by September 23.

That timeframe may be extended if Kilkenny County Council seeks further information from the applicant before reaching a decision.