Clonmany Curate’s House redevelopment plan back on the table
Clonmany Enterprise Development Limited has submitted a planning application to Donegal County Council for a change of use of the building known locally as the Curate's house.
Planning permission is being sought to transform the parochial house in the heart of Clonmany village into a new Community Hub.
Clonmany Enterprise Development Limited has submitted a planning application to Donegal County Council for a change of use of the building known locally as the Curate's house, which previously served as the parish office.
The office was relocated to St Mary’s Hall several years ago after a burst pipe caused flooding damage to the building, which has remained vacant since.
The Curate’s House and the adjoining field were purchased in recent years by Clonmany Enterprise Development CLG, the organisers of the annual Clonmany Festival, from the parish priest.
Since acquiring the property, the group has secured planning permission for a new toilet block and park on the adjacent field, which is used to host the festival funfair.
The Curate’s House is currently leased to Clonmany Youth and Community Resource Centre from the Clonmany Festival.
An application to convert the former parish office into a Community Hub for a local youth club was submitted by Clonmany Community Centre earlier this year, but was ultimately refused after An Coimisiún Pleanála overturned a decision by Donegal County Council to grant permission.
In its refusal, the Board outlined how it wasn’t satisfied that the application
was made by the owner of the property who had “sufficient legal estate or interest in the land” of the proposed development.
It was also not satisfied that the applicant had obtained the “approval of the person(s) who has such sufficient legal estate or interest,” in the property.
The latest application has now been submitted directly by Clonmany Enterprise Development Limited and proposes a significant renovation of the building. Plans for the new hub include four retail units and a staff canteen on the ground floor. The first floor would accommodate a committee boardroom, two community hot-desk workspaces, and a manager’s office.
A decision on the application is expected from Donegal County Council by February 12.