This article is from page 14 of the 2006-02-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
PLANS to transform Ennis’s skyline with a €20 million apartment block overlooking the River Fergus are facing fresh opposition.
Ennis-based firm, Paddy Coleman & Associates, has expressed concern over the proposal by Galway company, Briarlane Development Ltd.
The plan provides for a new pedestrian bridge across the River Fergus to the Abbey Street car-park in Ennis, adding to the four vehicular bridges already in use in and around the town centre.
The new proposal – in common with the application turned down by An Bord Pleanala last July – seeks to transform the Ennis skyline with a six-storey apartment block.
The six-storey building will be arranged around a central podium, while the development also includes a plan to develop a 30-bedroom hotel and 58 apartments.
The plan also includes eight commercial units and 238 car-parking spaces along with one three-storey and one two-storey block.
In their submission however, Coleman & Associates argue that the proposed development does not respect the scale, proportions, designs and architecture of existing neighbouring structures at Bank Place, Bindon Street, or Harmony Row.
It goes on: “Furthermore, the massing of the proposed development would detract from the existing Bank of Ireland building which is a protected structure. New buildings proposed for Architectural Conservation Areas should reflect the scale, proportions, design and materials of the existing structures.
“Clearly, the applicant has made no attempt to comply with a policy of the Ennis and Environs Plan in relation to conservation, as the proposed development does not conserve and enhance the character and appearance of the ACA. It is imperative that new buildings to be constructed within an ACA be faithful to the scale, character and detailing of the existing development.”
In relation to the Bank of Ireland building, Coleman & Associates state: “The proposal would be unsympathetic with and detrimental to the character, appearance and integrity of the Bank Building resulting in an incongruous and visually obtrusive addition to the conservation area of which it would form a part.
“The town does not have many buildings as fine as this bank building. The council must ensure that all of the features and views of this building are protected and that any development of the site that is granted permission is complementary or subservient to it from the point of view of visual impact.”
The submission by Coleman & Associates follows concerns expressed over the plan by Cllr Donal O’Bearra. A decision is due on the application later this month.