An Coimisiún Pleanála upholds Bunbeg Bank of Ireland conversion permission

An appeal lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála has not been successful, after Donegal County Council’s decision to grant conditional retention permission for the change of use of a former Bank of Ireland bank to a hardware shop in Bunbeg was upheld.

The former Bank of Ireland building in Bunbeg was one of five premises within Donegal that the Bank of Ireland closed permanently in 2021. 

Included in the planning proposals, which Donegal County Council conditionally granted in October, was the erection of a commercial storage shed, a perimeter fence, and all other associated site works. 

The appellant stated in the lodged documents that: “It is my view that the development works carried out on the site have been extremely insensitive and not at all in keeping with the surrounding area or buildings.”

It was further stated: “The existing Bank of Ireland building is clearly a concrete block structure, and the owner has proceeded to erect an intrusive perimeter fence and commercial storage facility using industrial materials.

“The materials used for development work would be more in keeping with the local industrial estate and are not at all appropriate for a commercial site on the main road running through the Gweedore Gaeltacht. 

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“The development constitutes a significant eyesore in my view, and the owner has shown little regard for impact on the surrounding area.”

However, a response was received from Michael Friel Architects and Surveyors Limited, which was summarised by An Coimisiún Pleanála, which said that the applicant, Shane McGee, “does not accept that the shop or yard is in any way unkempt or untidy, and a particular emphasis is placed on having the yard being clean, tidy, and safe for all users and do not impact on the aesthetics of the local area.”

Furthermore, it was said that “the storage shed and fence were considered acceptable by the Planning Authority,” that “materials are not stacked at any time higher than the height of the fence,” and “the perimeter fence has been set back in line with the existing building line, and it does not encroach in on the neighbouring property.”

It was further argued: “This development is the epitome of a perfect example of a brownfield site where an existing building, which was formerly used as Bank is being reutilised as a small hardware shop in a rural settlement within the Donegal Gaeltacht.”

An Coimisiún Pleanála sided in favour of the applicant, but with six conditions, including conditions that the “stacking of goods shall not be higher than the perimeter fence for which retention permission has been granted,” and “the yard shall be maintained in a clean and tidy manner at all times and shall not be used for the storage of any vehicles or materials which are not associated with the operation of the hardware business.”