Knocking of two buildings in Limerick was 'based on poor advice'

TWO homes in Rathkeale, which were demolished without planning permission, may now need to be rebuilt, following a ruling by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Permission was sought from council to retain the demolition of two townhouses and construct a two-storey house in their place.

However, local planners refused this, sparking the appeal to the national planning authority, formerly known as An Bord Pleanala.

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Documents presented to An Coimisiún Pleanála state while the applicant now acknowledges that she did not have permission to demolish the homes, she felt she made an “honest mistake” and she was “poorly advised” on the matter.

This is because back in 2019, she received planning permission for alterations to the two homes as they stood then.

She believed this approval gave her permission to demolish the units.

The applicant argued that she felt what is proposed is “visually suitable” for the area, and feels it is the best way to safeguard the neighbouring buildings from any environmental damage.

An Coimisiún Pleanála’s inspector disagreed, and refused permission for the retention of the demolition and building of a new home.

They said what is proposed would “adversely affect the Rathkeale Architectural Conservation Area” (ACA).

An ACA is a place considered of special architectural, archaeological, or technical interest.

The planning commission’s inspector also claimed the applicant “has not demonstrated sufficient regard to the integrity of the adjacent protected structure”.

It was ruled that no new information had been put forward to justify the demolition of the structures.

The view of An Coimisiún Pleanála’s inspector was backed up by the board itself.

The applicant now has the option to challenge the ruling in the High Court, should she wish.

An agent acting for her was not available for comment.