Plans to transform empty premises at county Kilkenny site into new apartments back on track

A decision is due on plans to transform disused commercial units into apartments.

Last year developers K&B Mulvaney Ltd lodged an application with Kilkenny County Council seeking to develop 23 apartments in a vacant section of the Ross Abbey Neighbourhood Centre at Rathculliheen in Ferrybank.

The developers requested a “change of use of the existing first-floor area to residential use” to allow for the construction of 15 new apartments within the development.

They also sought permission to construct a new rooftop penthouse containing eight further apartments, along with “elevational modifications, and all associated site works”.

Last February the local authority reverted to K&B Mulvaney seeking clarification on a number of aspects of the development, including the floor area of apartments and minimum standards as set out in the National Apartment Guidelines.

The council also requested further information regarding the community amenity spaces and parking.

Last month the developers provided the council with a 44-page document with extra details on the development addressing the council’s concerns.

The decision on whether the proposed development can go ahead is expected to be made by next Tuesday.