Part 8 planning submitted for derelict BJD landmark

On street bike parking spaces have also been included in the overall plan, which forms part of an ambitious overhaul of the town centre.

The Council has submitted Part 8 planning to develop the former Percy French Hotel, a landmark property in the town of Ballyjamesduff, into a new Community, Tourism and Enterprise Hub for the town.

As first revealed by The Anglo-Celt earlier this year, the local authority was in the process of tying up a deal to purchase the property, which had fallen into a state of dereliction in recent years.

Then new notice submitted by the Council under Planning & Development Regulations 2001 – 2019 Article 81, outlines proposals which include the retention and refurbishment of the existing building at Dublin Street. It will also involve the demolition of a portion of the property, along with plans to erect a new two-storey extension on Stradone Street.

On the Ground floor of the new proposed Community, Tourism and Enterprise Hub will be a café, including kitchen, reception and associated public areas, community enterprise spaces, ancillary facilities including toilets, storage, new stairs and elevator.

The first and second floor meanwhile will be utilised to provide multi-purpose rooms associated with the community, tourism and enterprise hub, with the potential to facilitate use as visitor accommodation.

“All vertical and horizontal circulation, stairs, lifts etc. Ancillary service areas to provide storage, plant, toilets, and staff areas,” are also included in the planning submission, along with the provision of new internal and external signage, and site development works to include external hard and soft landscaping, lighting, bin storage, common and communal open areas, and all associated site services above and below ground.

On street bike parking spaces have also been included in the overall plan, which forms part of an ambitious overhaul of the town centre.

To date the Ballyjamesduff town centre regeneration plan has received €90,000 under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for the rejuvenation plan.

Only last year the local authority served a derelict site notice on the Percy French Hotel property, warning the then owners of the need to better manage the site.

Subsequently the property was listed for sale, described as having “excellent investment potential”.

The move to try and purchase the building has been welcomed by local area councillor, Fine Gael's Trevor Smith.

“I'm delighted to see something being done, and that the Council has taken the initiative to address what had been an identifiable problem in the town for some time. The hotel has changed hands over the years and fell into disrepair which is unfortunate.

“Our regeneration plan is a big ambitious plan. It will take some time to implement, but it is a very positive step forward for the town, but the plan itself and the move by the Council to buy the former hotel building as well and not see it once again fall into the hands of private developers,” Cllr Smith said at the time.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for download from the Council's website, or for inspection at the Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff, at the Municipal District Office, Courthouse, Virginia, at the Planning Office, Farnham Centre, Cavan Town during normal working hours up until October 9.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening and Ecological Report, Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report, Archaeological Impact Report and Drainage and Transport details of the proposed development have been completed and are also available for inspection with the application.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development may be made in writing and must reach the Forward Planning Section, Farnham Centre, Farnham Street, Cavan, before 5pm on October 23.

The Part 8 planning details can be viewed online HERE.