An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted planning permission for seven short-term tourist accommodation units on the grounds of Ballyheigue Castle.
Local residents appealed Kerry County Council’s decision to approve four 2-bed and three 1-bed self-catering apartments within the curtilage of the protected structure.
The development would involve converting a vacant home and a derelict outbuilding, building a 24 square metre (m2) single storey extension, and demolishing 32.7m2 of existing structures.
Following the appeal, an Coimisiún Pleanála’s own inspector recommended the development not be granted permission.
She stated that it would “seriously detract from the architectural character and setting of Ballyheigue Castle and of the vista generally”.
However, in a 2-to-1 (2:1) split decision, an Coimisiún Pleanála decided not to accept this recommendation, stating the Kerry County Development Plan encourages the sensitive redevelopment of derelict, vacant or redundant buildings to provide for visitor accommodation.
They also stated that the accommodation would not seriously injure anything that enhances the quality of life of residents, nor the setting of Ballyheigue Castle.
The commission granted permission to HRP Construction Limited subject to 18 conditions, including that the existing stone walls be retained in full and protected during construction works and that a licensed archaeologist monitor all site clearance works.
