Imperial’s rear dining area to be retained

The Imperial Bar has been granted permission to retain an external dining area to the rear of the property facing out onto Tesco carpark.

The local business has also secured planning permission to extend the existing roof to form an external smoking area, together with associated alterations to elevations and all associated works at 43, 47 & 48 Main Street.

Owner Donal Keogan first submitted plans back in May 2023, with further information sought by council planners in July and provided almost five months later.

The existing structure comprises a single-storey, flat roof structure with metal frame and coloured perspex block sheeting for the walls. It was noted in the planner's report that the extension has been constructed on a public footpath and the building line “extends to the edge” of the public road, which links the public carpark to the council-owned multi-storey carpark facility.

As a result the design and position has “terminated pedestrian linkages” on each end of the structure, with only one double doorway being provided, which “opens directly onto the public road”.

Adjacent property owners Patrick and Liam Gaffney stated their objections, not to the development, but that application had marked a ‘proposed smoking area’ on lands stated 'Archway', which is under their ownership.

As part of the further information submitted, Enda Gilsenan of WGG Architects & Surveyors Ltd, on behalf of Mr Keogan, submitted a proposal to provide for pedestrian access along the private footpath through two new doors installed at either end of the enclosed semi-outdoor dining area. The double doors facing onto the street are henceforth proposed for emergency use only.

Mr Keogan also submitted a deed map showing the extent of the property in his ownership.

With those issues addressed, council planner recommended that planning be granted, with three conditions including the payment of development fees totalling €1,870.

Another local business meanwhile, Cavan Adventure Centre at Innishmore, Butlersbridge, was also granted planning permission to erect a single-storey extension to an existing building to form new dining area with associated alterations to elevations and ancillary works.

Again permission was granted with only three conditions attached.