Slice of the action: Battle over plans for legendary Kilkenny takeaway
Plans to transform one of Kilkenny’s most famous food outlets into a European al-fresco dining experience have hit a bump in the road.
Developers High Street Social Limited are hoping to transform Sam’s Pizzeria on Kilkenny’s High Street into a bar and restaurant, with much of the dining area situated outside.
Sam’s, a staple of many a Kilkenny person’s diet while growing up, closed down in 2019 after 35 years in business and has lain idle since.
High Street Social Limited, the company that owns the Left Bank Bar and Rive Gauche restaurant, requested planning permission from Kilkenny County Council to redevelop the site into a bar and restaurant.
The local authority approved the plans subject to some conditions, including the opening hours of the premises and the access to the property. It was deemed the entrance from William Street would not be permitted and the business must close at 11.30pm every night.
The developers have now decided to appeal these aspects of the decision to An Bord Pleanála in the hope of having them overturned.
They argue the business should be afforded the same opening hours as any other bar/restaurant business. While the lack of access from William Street, where the al-fresco element of the dining experience would run parallel, would adversely affect their business.
A decision on the appeal is expected from the national planning authority by the beginning of August.
