MOST READ (2023): An Bord Pleanála gives the green light for large new hotel in Kilkenny

An Bord Pleanála have given the go-ahead for a 114-bed hotel including a public bar and restaurant to be constructed at a former hospital site in Kilkenny City.

Planning permission has been granted to Green Wolf Limited for the hotel, subject to several revised conditions, at a site bordering Wolf Tone Street and John's Green.

Back in 2021, residents of Wolfe Tone Street made an appeal to An Bord Pleanála following Kilkenny County Council's decision to grant permission for the hotel.

In their appeal, residents cited concerns including the potential visible impact to the area, the potential increase in traffic and possible parking issues.

An Bord Pleanála have since stated that a revised design was submitted in response to a further information request which substantially scaled back the development at 3rd and 4th floor levels (reducing the number of bedrooms from 123 to 114) and provided for revisions to create a ‘lighter’ appearance at the upper level.

"A number of other changes were made to the design at further information stage also to reduce the impact on the existing protected structure on the site including the widening of the link between the protected structure and the new building and the omission of the pavilion from the front of the building," the planning board noted.

An Bord Pleanála added that in making the decision to approve the development, the provisions of the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021-2027 were taken into account and that subject to compliance with the conditions, the proposed development 'would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity'.

They added that the development 'would not adversely affect the character or setting of the protected structure or of the architectural conservation area in which it is located or any other protected structures in the vicinity and would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety'.

"The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," the board concluded.

An Bord Pleanála made the decision to grant permission, subject to the revised conditions, on February 10, 2023.