Plans approved for new apartments in Tuam

Plans to transform extensive but unused retail space in Tuam into 17 apartments has been approved by the higher planning authority – having been earlier refused by Galway County Council.

That clears the way for twelve one-bed apartments and five two-bed apartments on the first floor of the building which was constructed during the economic boom.

There are retail units on the ground floor of the building at Lár an Cathrach, which is located opposite Tuam Shopping Centre – but many of these remain unoccupied.

And the applicants, JFC Manufacturing, argued that is no appetite in the town of Tuam for first floor retail space.

The four storey over basement development fronts onto both Temple Jarlath Court and Trinity Court.

It currently comprises parking at basement floor level, a mix of commercial and vacant units at ground level, vacant commercial units at first floor level and apartments on the floors above, with a roof garden courtyard at second floor level.

Efforts were made to convert this first floor to apartments but this was refused by Galway County Council due to a lack of open space and a lack of clarity over car parking.

But this was appealed to An Bord Pleanála which has overturned the decision

JFC Manufacturing said that the apartments would be served by the existing basement car park and added that the proposed development will result in the delivery of a benefit to the town centre in terms of putting existing vacant floor space to use.

They also pointed out that there is a significant shortage of housing in Tuam and particularly in relation to smaller one and two bedroom units – and especially for single occupants or couples.

Planners were of the opinion that the development would represent a substandard level of residential amenity.

An Bord Pleanála ruled that the proposed development, subject to compliance with the conditions set out, would not detract from the character of the area and would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area or give rise to a traffic hazard.