Objections lodged to Two Mile Inn conversion

PLANS to convert a former landmark Meelick hotel into a nursing home has prompted objections and observations from business people.
The new owners of the Two Mile Inn, Ennis Road, Meelick, have lodged a planning application with Clare County Council seeking approval to convert the premises into a convalescence home.
O’Moradh Construction Limited, c/o Denis A Biggane, Planning and Drafting Services, Main Street, Charleville, have lodged plans with the council for the construction of a new dining room extension to the side of the existing rear wing; staff room and toilets to the rear of the existing main bar area; outdoor fenced children’s play area; demolition of existing water tower structure; remedial internal modification works to layout and all ancillary related works.
The applicant estimates between 40 and 60 people could be employed at the facility if planning permission is secured and it will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The former hotel had the benefit of a private water supply and natural gas and the applicant envisages the daily traffic will be about the same as for its previous use.
The hotel, which ceased operations in September 2010 with the loss of 15 jobs, was sold later that year for what was believed to be in the region of €1.2 million.
Ennis town planners and consulting engineers, Connellan and Associates lodged an objection to the proposed development.
They stated the “aparthotel’ complex at this location was granted on the understanding there would be a hotel complex to service the apartments.
“The conversion of the hotel into a nursing home removed the servicing aspect of the apartment complex and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
“Mr Connellan has personal legal guarantees from the previous owner of the aparthotel regarding ownership of two apartments in the complex with access to the hotel and its services.
“The application is misleading in that it implies in the public notice that the change of use applies to the whole complex including the public bar. An examination of the application shows that this is not the cased,” the engineers stated.
Portlaoise-based John Redmond and Associates Consulting Engineers also lodged an objection against the change of use.
The engineers claimed it would not be possible for a bed to be removed in the event of emergency from a bedroom due to reduced corridor width in its internal layout.
Judging by modern standard evacuation procedures, they claimed that it should be possible to evacuate the resident in their bed.
Commenting on the northern aspect of 38 bedrooms, they expressed concern about the lack of associated services, sluice, toilets and stores.
They also expressed dissatisfaction with residents’ day space grouped around the main entrance, forcing residents to travel to these areas and noted the day space should be dispersed throughout. They also alleged the final exit appeared to be substandard in width.
“Does this change of use comply with zoning policy of the development plan? Is this proposed development sustainable in its location due to lack of integration with existing community in an isolated area adjacent to the N18 dual carriageway?
“There is a lack of information provided in terms of the services on site, water, sewage and storm water, their paths and their capacity. Is there right of way or wayleaves in place for adjoining premises?
“A legal land registry map should be submitted with a clear account for all structures within the folio, their current use and proposed future use. Drawings identify a child play area attached to the public house known as Thady’s, this should be clarified as to its intended use. Parking requirements should also be demonstrated on site,” the engineers stated.
Leslie McCarthy, Kilcullen, County Kildare recently made an observation on this application.
In his submission, Mr McCarthy explained he was the owner of five suites which were built on to the hotel when it was extended in 2005.
“These suites received planning to be used in conjunction with a hotel operation. So there lies my interest in this application,” he stated.