An apartment development proposed for Connaught Street on the west side of Athlone has been amended with both the building’s height and unit density reduced.
The result of planning permission pertaining to the development was due to be announced this month, but with the revised construction now confirmed, a fresh period of public consultation will commence.
Planning permission for the development was initially submitted in August 2021, the developer, Ledbro Ltd, proposing to demolish a derelict two-storey pub and a shed to be replaced by a 29-unit apartment development arranged in two blocks on a site at 20 Connaught Street, 7 Patrick Street, and Harry’s Lane.
The construction of a retail unit, communal open space, amenity space and semi-basement car park was also detailed on the original planning permission submitted.
Westmeath County Council subsequently raised concerns about what it felt was an “overly excessive” density of apartments on the 0.12 hectare site, indicating that it was not satisfied with the proposed project submitted for planning permission.
As a result of such concerns, Ledbro Ltd have now revised their original plans with apartment density reduced by eight units and the building’s height upon proposed construction being reduced from 4/5 storeys to 3/4 storeys.
Additional information submitted in the revised plans note that two apartments will be made available to the local authority for use as social or affordable housing with an “indicative cost” of approximately €350,000 per unit.
The developer is planning to build the apartments to a high standard of energy efficiency, stating that an A2 energy rating would be targeted.
Members of the general public have five weeks, from the date when the further information was received by the council, in which they can make submissions or observations on the revised plans.
