Planning permission sought for major development works at community hall in Offaly
A planning application was submitted on May 25 for the proposed development in Cloghan
Plans have been unveiled for major development works at a popular community hall in Offaly.
Saint Mary’s Parochial Hall which is also listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage is located on Ferbane Street in Cloghan.
The proposed development was revealed as part of a new planning application submitted by Saint Mary’s Parochial Hall Committee on May 25.
The plans consist of the construction of a single-storey rear extension to the existing Parochial Hall, together with all associated site works, services connections, and ancillary works necessary to facilitate the development.
The proposed works are designed to remain subordinate to the existing Protected Structure, to support its ongoing community use, and to ensure full compliance with conservation and development plan requirements.
The application includes a letter of consent from Bishop Paul Connell, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise in his capacity as Patron of Cloghan Parish.
This letter consents to the application of planning permission for the construction of a wheelchair accessible kitchen at the rear of Cloghan Community Hall.
Bishop Connell outlines that his consent is based on the understanding that the development is intended to improve the accessibility and facilities within the community hall, ensuring inclusion and ease of use for all members of the local community.
St. Mary’s Parochial Hall is described in the application as a mid-20th-century community hall characterised by a corrugated-iron barrel-vaulted roof, stepped gabled façade, and simple utilitarian form typical of parish halls of the 1950s.
It also documents that the structure retains its original massing, roof profile, and principal elevation treatment.
The new proposal details that no loss of original fabric is anticipated beyond minor, reversible interventions in the development.
The proposed works are consistent with the protection objectives of the Offaly County Development Plan and the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines.
They do not materially affect the character of St. Mary’s Parochial Hall and are therefore considered acceptable from a heritage perspective whilst the hall’s setting within the village streetscape also remains unchanged.
The planning application details confirm that no Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license or waste license is required for the project which is deemed a protected structure.
The planning application is currently at the pre-validation stage while consultation on the proposed works takes place.
Any submissions or observations on the proposed development must be submitted by June 28, with the final decision on the planning application due on July 19.