Plan to house hotel workers
Affordable housing in Kingscourt
A new planning application has been submitted in an attempt to address the shortage of affordable housing for local hotel staff in Kingscourt.
The proposed development, submitted by Jack Corscadden to Cavan County Council, looks to provide purpose-built accommodation for staff working at the nearby Cabra Castle Hotel, which employs a large workforce but has faced growing challenges in attracting and retaining workers due to a lack of suitable housing in the local area.
The application proposes the demolition of a row of derelict two-storey outhouses located to the rear of No. 28 Main Street and the construction, in their place, of three new two-storey, two-bed dwellings.
The proposed development includes private and communal amenity areas, connections to existing services, and all associated site and landscaping works.
According to a design statement prepared by Smith & Associates Architects on behalf of Mr Corscadden, the site offers a unique opportunity for infill development in the heart of Kingscourt town. It is ideally positioned for use as staff accommodation due to its central location and accessibility to local services.
The proximity to Cabra Castle also makes it particularly suitable for hotel staff, who often struggle to find accommodation nearby.
The existing outhouses, the report continues, are in poor condition, with multiple structural issues, including a severely compromised party wall that poses a safety concern. Owners of the neighbouring property share these concerns and have given consent for the wall to be removed as part of the redevelopment.
The new homes will be built on a similar footprint to the existing buildings and are designed to reflect the form and scale of the original structures. Access will be via the existing archway between No. 28 and the adjacent pharmacy, which will be upgraded as part of the works.
In addition, No. 28 Main Street is also being refurbished to provide further accommodation for Cabra Castle staff.
A decision on the application is due on or before November 18.