Developers of derelict Co Waterford pub site ask for more time
Waterford City and County Council granted permission to Dalira Ltd to demolish Ryans Bar in Clachan, Ballybeg, Waterford, and build housing in its place, in 2020.
The application originally involved the construction of a new building, ranging in height from two to four storeys and consisting of 390 sqm of commercial space and 45 residences. There was to be 25 two-bed apartments, 14 one-bed apartments and six studio apartments, together with south and west facing balconies.
Provision is made for bin stores, car parking, bicycle storage, landscaped communal amenity space, a garden wall and railings along the southern boundary of the site, photovoltaic panels on the roof, and connections to all public services.
On Tuesday, April 29 this year, Dalira Ltd requested an extension of duration to allow it time to complete the works. On the same day, a further application was lodged requesting an increase in the total number of apartments from 55 to 58. Both cases are due to be decided by June 23 this year.
Previously, on March 14, the council granted conditional permission for modifications, increasing the total number of apartments from 50 to 55 apartments, subject to six conditions.
The applicant was unable to complete the development before the expiry of the planning permission due to delays associated with Covid-19 restrictions. The pandemic disrupted progress, and re-establishing the site after the initial restrictions proved challenging, explained CDP Architecture on behalf of Dalira Ltd.
'Just as preparations to resume work were underway, the second and third waves of restrictions further delayed the project. These setbacks have made it difficult for the applicant to finish within the permitted timeframe,' according to the design consultant.
Following the easing of restrictions due to Covid-19, further issues arose that have increased the delay, such as the availability of contractors to tender for a project of this size, the site conditions proving to be more difficult than normal and procuring the construction material was challenging during and post Covid.
Planning permission was granted for the 45 apartments by the council on August 12, 2020, and five-year planning brings this to August 11, 2025 – along with additional units, 'bringing the total to 55 residential units.'
'We are availing of the Section 25 1A order for Covid, which is 56 days, and Section 251, which is 45 days, a total of 101 days. This will bring the expiry of the current planning to November 20, 2025,' added CDP Architecture. The development is due for completion in August 2026. The extension of duration is sought for an additional one year, to November 20, 2026.
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'The applicant is committed to completing the development within the extension of the duration time frame,' wrote CDP Architecture. 'These 55 residential units are much-needed new residential units in the current housing crisis.'
The pub had been destroyed by a fire years ago and had remained derelict since. Local people had come to describe the derelict pub as an eyesore, and news of the re-development has been welcomed by local businesspeople, and Waterford Mayor Cllr Jason Murphy.
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