Planners request rethink on hotel extension plans

City planners have ordered a re-think on a proposal to build an extension to the Menlo Park Hotel – after ruling a proposed new entrance could cause a traffic hazard.

John Francis, who owns the hotel, applied for permission last July to add 12 bedrooms to the property, to cater for increased demand from coach tours.

The three-storey extension is planned for the north, east and southern corners of the building on the 3.5 acre site.

The plans include a larger bar and restaurant area, as well as alterations to the front of the hotel including a new canopy over the entrance and signage.

There will be a new access road onto the Coolough Road as well as 20 new parking spaces.

However, planners have said that the road geometry at the proposed new entrance would not allow for a stacking lane for making right turns.

They said this would give rise to a traffic hazard and sought revised proposals.

The Council has also sought clarification on inconsistencies with carparking figures, and have sought the exact number of hotel rooms, as well as parking spaces used by the apart-hotel to the rear of the site.

They added that some of the parking spaces proposed do not meet the 2.5m x 5m requirements of the City Development Plan.

If permitted, the owner intends that the works would be phased over five years “to minimise disruption and maintain maximum use of the premises”.

The applicant now has up to six months to respond to the queries, otherwise the application will be deemed withdrawn.