Plans for 220-bed budget accommodation approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála

Five-storey accommodation building aimed at budget holidaymakers will be located on Morrisons Island in Cork City

Cork City Council initially granted planning for just four storeys in the interests of the "visual amenity" of the area, with the developer appealing that decision, arguing that the fifth storey was needed to make the development commercially viable. Image: GNet.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved plans for a major tourist accommodation building in Cork City.

Developer Peppard Investments 8 Limited got the green light to build a five-storey accommodation unit consisting of 220 bedspaces on Fitton Street, Morrisons Island.

A cafe servicing the scheme and the general public is proposed on the ground floor, with more than 50 bedspaces planned for each other floor.

Cork City Council initially granted planning for just four storeys in the interests of the "visual amenity" of the area, with the developer appealing that decision, arguing that the fifth storey was needed to make the development commercially viable. 

In its submission, Total Planning Solutions, on behalf of the developer, said Cork City suffered from a "lack of budget-friendly accommodation for tourists," a deficiency that "undermines its potential as a destination for a diverse range of visitors."

It argued that while there was a sufficient supply of high-end hotels and short-term rental apartments, there has been almost no provision for cost-conscious travellers, such as backpackers, students or budget holidaymakers.

It said the gap in the market was not due to a lack of demand, but rather, to the fact that such accommodation models require higher room densities to be profitable.

"Critically, these forms of tourist accommodation are only viable in central locations, where footfall and accessibility justify their operation."

"If height restrictions cap development below the five-storey threshold, the project will not proceed, regardless of planning permission being granted," the developers warned.

In its decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála said the height of a five-storey building would not have a significant impact on the visual amenities of the South Channel Architectural Conservation Area outside of the immediate views from Fitton Street East/Fr. Mathew Street and Keefe Street. 

"Given the wider regeneration and activation that would be achieved through the redevelopment of the site, it is considered that any visual impact arising from the five-storey proposal would be moderate, would not adversely affect any locally important views or have any adverse effect on the character of the Architectural Conservation Area, and would not be out of keeping with the surrounding area," the planning commission said. 

The building will front onto Fitton Street with pedestrian access provided at this location. Permission is also sought for the provision of bin storage, drainage, plant, and all associated site development works.