Kerry County Council has again granted planning permission for a new medical centre in Cahersiveen.
Caraf Property Development Ltd has been given the green light to demolish an old shop on Main Street, and construct in its place a health and medical centre.
It is the second time Kerry County Council has granted planning for this development; An Bórd Pleanála overruled the council to block the development the first time.
The company sought to demolish the old building, which contained a shop, supermarket, stores and private accommodation, and then to construct a new building in its place with a health and medical centre.
The ground floor will be used as office space and form part of the health and medical centre.
The council planner noted this was almost identical to the application which was previously refused permission by An Bórd Pleanála.
Among the reasons for refusal then were that the works would not have a positive impact on the character of the area or respect the existing streetscape, and the development would be out of scale with its surroundings.
A building survey noted the units have been vacant for quite a period of time, and are in very poor condition.
The applicant claims the building will not overlook or affect the amenities of the adjoining properties.
The council’s planner wrote the development will help to bring vitality and vibrancy to the town of Cahersiveen, and enhance Main Street.
The council wrote that the development is acceptable in terms of design, and will greatly improve the appearance of the site.
It said the development will enhance the area and not cause concerns in relation to residential amenity.
Permission was granted subject to eight conditions, including that the existing three-storey front façade of the building be retained, and the adjoining properties be suitably protected from damage during construction.
