Former Midleton pub to be converted into three new homes

Plans were appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála following a split decision from the local council

Aerial photo of Connolly Street leading up to Midleton Library, on the town's Main Street. Picture: Neil Michael.

A former pub in Midleton is to be converted into three new homes following a positive bid by the planning commission.

Developer Pandj Trading received a split decision from Cork County Council after submitting plans to convert The Meeting Place, a former pub on Connolly Street, Townparks in Midleton, into three residential units.

While the local authority granted permission for the former pub to be converted, permission was refused for additional plans to demolish existing extensions and outbuildings on the site to make way for a new apartment building.

The building, which was initially meant to be four storeys high but was later reduced to two-and-a-half storeys, would have had four one-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom apartment, served by a central stairwell and associated works. 

The council refused these plans, stating in its decision that the development would include the demolition of a historic outbuilding that contributes to the character of the site, which was located in an architectural conservation area.

The Meeting Place pub in Midleton in 2005. Picture: Richard Mills.

The council added that it was not confident that the plans would not detract from the residential amenity of neighbouring properties, with the plans receiving several objections from local residents. 

The approved homes, which will be converted from the disused pub, will comprise two two-bedroom units and one one-bedroom unit, all of which will have their own door access to the street.

The developer appealed the split decision to the planning commission, however, An Coimisiún Pleanála sided with the council, granting permission for the former pub to be converted, but refusing permission for the construction of the apartment building. 

In its decision to refuse, the planning commission said in its decision that in the "absence of sufficient information, particularly a daylight and sunlight assessment," the commission "could not be satisfied that the proposed development would not result in an unacceptable diminution of the residential amenity of neighbouring property to the north."

It also ruled that the proposed development would result in the loss of some historic fabric.