One of Cork's biggest pubs makes appeal in bid to retain outdoor seating
Planners said placement of outdoor seating area would endanger the safety of pedestrians and road users by reason of traffic hazards or obstruction of road users. Picture: Larry Cummins
One of Cork's biggest pubs has appealed to An Bord Pleanála in a bid to retain its outdoor seating.
KMont Properties Holdings Limited, acting on behalf of Reardens of Washington Street, had been refused permission by Cork City Council to retain its outdoor seating on Little Cross Street.
In applying to retain the seating, the developer also wanted to install metal frames and glass panels over the existing structure to create a sheltered space.
However, planners said the location of the proposed development and area to be retained was on an existing pedestrian footpath and a section of the public street, adding both the existing and proposed developments would inhibit access for emergency service vehicles.
Planners also noted its placement would endanger the safety of pedestrians and road users by reason of traffic hazards or obstruction of road users.
In its appeal, the developer rejected the suggestion it would cause a traffic obstruction or inhibit emergency vehicles, noting the street in question — Little Cross Street — is pedestrianised 24 hours a day.
It also rejected the suggestion the development would represent a negative visual impact, and claimed there were inconsistencies between the council's decision relating to Reardens and other bars in the area which have developed outdoor seating areas.
Elsewhere, Trigon Hotels has been granted planning permission to modify the iconic Metropole Hotel in Cork City.
Located on MacCurtain Street, the hotel will see works to its ground floor windows and entrance doors, east of the original entrance of the hotel, which is a protected structure.
Separately, the operators of West Cork's well-known Inchydoney Island hotel are seeking permission to revamp its guest apartments.
Inchydoney Island Management Company No 1 Ltd has lodged a planning application with Cork County Council seeking permission for alterations and modifications to 20 guest apartments located at the hotel in Clonakilty.
The work involves enlarging 16 balconies at first, second, and third floors, and the addition of screening to existing private open space for six ground-floor apartments.
Inchydoney Island Hotel has been operating since 1998. It sits on the site of the original Inchydoney Ocean Hotel, and has 67 guest rooms, in addition to its self-catering apartments.
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