Permission granted to convert Letterkenny office space into apartments

Donegal County Council has granted planning application to convert part of a prominent Letterkenny office building into 10 apartments.

The listed applicant, Twin Estates (London) Ltd, successfully submitted an application regarding McKendrick Place off Pearse Road, Letterkenny, for the change of use, conversion, alteration, and roof extension of the vacant third floor of the existing commercial office building to provide 10 apartments, including alterations to the external facade and all associated site development works.

Proposed apartments include four one-bed (two-person) apartments and six two-bed (three-person) apartments.

A planning report, prepared by Denis Kelly Planning, as part of the submitted documents prior to the decision, stated: “This proposal provides for the re-use and repurposing of vacant upper-floor accommodation within an established town centre building through the provision of 10 no. apartment units.

“The development represents an efficient use of existing building stock and infrastructure within the built-up footprint of Letterkenny and will contribute positively to the continued regeneration and consolidation of the town centre.

“The application site occupies a highly sustainable location within walking distance of employment, retail, community, educational and recreational facilities and is well positioned to support more sustainable patterns of movement through walking, cycling and public transport. The proposal will introduce additional residential population into the town centre and will support the vitality and vibrancy of this important commercial area.

“The development has been assessed against the National Planning Framework, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region, the County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030, the Letterkenny Plan and Transport Plan 2023–2029 and the relevant Ministerial Planning Guidelines. It is considered that the proposal is materially consistent with the objectives of these documents, particularly those relating to compact growth, regeneration, the re-use of vacant buildings and the provision of housing within existing urban areas.

“In addition, the proposed alterations to the external appearance of the building will improve its visual presentation along Pearse Road and will contribute positively to the longer-term vision for this key approach route as set out in the Letterkenny 2040 Regeneration Strategy.

“Having regard to the zoning of the site, the established pattern of development in the area, the nature and scale of the proposal and the policy support for residential development within the town centre, it is considered that the proposed development represents an appropriate and sustainable form of development. The proposal will bring a vacant upper floor in the centre of Letterkenny back into productive use as residential accommodation and is consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Donegal County Council granted permission for the conversion into apartments with six conditions, including a condition imposed that the applicant or permission’s beneficiary should contribute a payment of €20,000 in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area of the Planning Authority that is already provided or is intended to be provided by the Authority.

The applicant was further advised to obtain a Fire Safety Certificate and a Disability Access Certificate, along with a licence that is required if works to the development obstruct public footpaths.