Plan for replica Claddagh cottage hit brick wall

Plans for the construction of a replica traditional cottage as part of the ‘Claddagh Garden’ arts and crafts centre have hit a brick wall with the City Council.

Cathriona Walsh of the arts centre at Fairhill Court in the Claddagh had sought permission for the “reconstruction of a typical, traditional model of a Claddagh cottage for use only to visitors as a heritage experience, not having any habitable function”.

The plans for the cottage show stone and rubble walls, three bedrooms and a living area, vaulted ceilings, Liscannor stone slab flooring, timber windows, thatched roof, traditional timber half-door and a plaster finish externally to provide a stonewash effect.

However, planners have asked if the project is viable, considering the existing planning permission for craft use on the site expires in December 2016.

They added that they are “very concerned” by existing unauthorised uses on the site, including the sale of firewood and turf and physiotherapy services.

“The City Council are very concerned that photographs have been submitted of sandwich boards on the pavement outside the premises for unauthorised uses [in contravention of planning conditions]. The applicant is requested to cease any additional operations immediately and to comment on these concerns.

“Concerns have also been raised regarding noise and dust and the impact on residential amenities within the site. The applicant is requested to comment on this issue, given that assurances were given as to the type of activities which would be carried on, and to provide a comprehensive analysis as to the current range of activities and if different, a comparison with the approved use.

“The City Council has no objection in principle to having a replica Claddagh house built, provided it is historically based and accurate and that research needs to be done to ensure architectural and historical accuracy.

“Elements of the proposed cottage do not accord with this requirement and the applicant is requested to liaise with the Council’s Heritage Officer to address concerns over the accuracy of certain elements.

“The application is requested to comment on the likely cost and viability of the proposed cottage, given that existing permission for the craft use of the site is due to expire on December 31, 2016, and any additional time period will be subject to a separate planning application.

“Concerns have been raised that the application site includes land outside the applicant’s control and the applicant is requested to provide land registry details and maps confirming ownership of all areas affected by this application including identifying and marking any right of way,” planners said.

The applicant now has six months to provide the information requested, or the application will be deemed withdrawn.