Permission granted for restaurant at former Bundoran Methodist Church
Building had been home to the Blue Leaf Restaurant until February 2025
Donegal County Council has granted planning permission for works of a former Methodist church in Bundoran into a new restaurant, more than a year after a previous restaurant on the site had closed.
The listed applicant, Newbridge Hospitality Ltd, successfully submitted an application on the site of the former Campbell Memorial Methodist Church on Main Street, in Bundoran, which had been home to the Blue Leaf Restaurant until its closure in February 2025.
Permission was sought for works to the protected structure, which is dated from 1888, to include internal alterations to the existing building, such as the removal of the non-original first floor and stairs, removal of toilets within the non-original annex to the west side of the building and removal of external stairs to the rear of the building.
Construction of a rear single-storey extension is to include a new toilet block, staff welfare facilities, storage, and an extension to an existing kitchen area, as well as provision of a new disabled ramp access to the front of the building.
A design statement within the application stated: “A key element of the proposal is the removal of the non-original mezzanine/first-floor structure and associated stairway that were inserted within the nave during previous alterations.
“These works will enhance the architectural integrity of the protected structure by reinstating the full volume of the original worship space and allowing appreciation of the stained-glass windows, roof structure and vaulted ceiling in a manner more consistent with the historic character of the building.
“The proposed rear extension has been carefully designed as a subordinate single-storey addition located to the rear of the existing structure. The extension is positioned so as not to interfere with important views of the protected structure from the public realm and will have minimal impact on the architectural character and significance of the existing building.
“The proposed accessibility improvements will provide inclusive access while ensuring that interventions to the historic fabric are kept to the minimum necessary to achieve compliance with current accessibility requirements.”
Donegal County Council granted the application with permission with eight conditions, including a condition that the applicant should pay a contribution of €321.57 in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area of the Planning Authority that is already provided or is to be intended to be provided by the Authority.
The applicant was also advised of the requirement to obtain a Fire Safety Certificate and that adequate provision should be made to facilitate access to and the use of the proposed development by disabled persons.