Last orders: Plan to build houses at back of county Kilkenny pub shot down

Plans to build family homes on the grounds of a pub in a county Kilkenny town have been refused as the local authority feels the development is “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

Derek Duffy had sought permission to build four two-storey houses to the rear of Duffy’s Pub on Mill Street in Callan.

Mr Duffy applied for permission in September 2019. Kilkenny County Council ruled on the application last week after examining the further information on the development they had requested from Mr Duffy.

In his response to the council, Mr Duffy provided information on five areas of concern to the council including flood and drainage issues, privacy concerns, and design queries.

In reaching their decision to refuse planning permission, Kilkenny planners said: “Having regard to the design and layout of the proposed four two storey houses, it is considered that the development as proposed is substandard in terms of urban design.

“The design and layout of the development is therefore contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

“The applicant has failed to adequately demonstrate that the proposed development would not be liable to flooding in the event of a major flood event.

“The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed development will not have a significant impact on the conservation objectives of the Kings River which forms part of the River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation.

“The development as proposed would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” the council concluded.