Permission refused for proposed new retail unit in Kilkenny

Plans seeking to convert Nore View House in Kilkenny City into a retail unit have been refused by An Bord Pleanála. 

Proposed for the building was a bicycle shop with repair facilities.

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Kilkenny County Council had originally denied the applicant permission to proceed with the change of use of the building.

Following an appeal against that decision to An Bord Pleanála, an inspection took place at the site.

The An Bord Pleanála inspector recommended that planning permission be granted, stating that the proposed development would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 

In deciding not to accept the inspector's recommendation to grant permission, the Board agreed with the inspector as set out in his report that subject to compliance with conditions, the proposed change of use would respect the existing character of the area, would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenity of property in the vicinity and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety.

However, the Board was satisfied that the reasons and considerations in the inspector's report would not overcome the single matter at issue, that the retail use proposed is not a use that is included in either ‘permitted’ or ‘open for consideration’ uses within the zoning category of the statutory plan for the area.