This article is from page 8 of the 2006-03-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
A FIVE-FOUR decision by the members of An Bord Pleanala has saved the former Holywell restaurant building in Ballyvaughan from demolition.
The building will be transformed into a language centre, following the Appeals’ Board overturning of a decision by Clare County Council.
Twice previously, the appeals board had refused planning to Wolfgang and Sibylle Dietls to retain the restaurant, forcing the couple to shut down the business last September and relocate to Ennistymon.
If the board had refused the plan to transform the building into a language centre, Clare County Conncil was set to go into the Circuit Court to demand the demolition of the building.
In explaining its decision, the Board stated that the present proposal to retain the extension for purposes directly related to the main established education/language school use, rather than a new commercial use. They said it would be acceptable in terms of its visual impact and would not set a precedent for further commercial development in this area.
A modified extension will comprise of two classrooms, a study, games room, toilets, kitchen and students’ dining area, all at Newtown, Ballyvaughan.
“We are very happy with the decision and it makes life easier for us. We will be putting in classrooms now into the building,” said Wolfgang Dietl.
In their appeal, the Dietls claimed that a decision to refuse permission would compromise the viability of the entire school and would have the most serious repercussions for the whole of the Holywell venture.
They stated, “The education/language school and restaurant were dependent on each other to make the enterprise financially viable. If the language school is to survive as a stand-alone business, it is crucial for us to have the necessary facilities to increase their student intake.
“Holywell has not only acted as a language school and restaurant, but also as a cultural and social facility for the village which is devoid of such amenities . . . it has hosted concerts, lectures, a film club along with evening classes in languages, computers, traditional music workshops, yoga and creative writing. These unique and educational events are focused at and for the benefit the local population.”