Permission granted for new parish offices

NEW parish offices are to be constructed in Ennis following the granting of planning permission for the development by Ennis Town Council.
St Flannan’s (Killaloe) Diocesan Trust had applied for planning permission to demolish part of Maria Assumpta Hall and to build a new parish office with meeting rooms and ancillary facilities.
The site of the development is within the cartilage of Ennis Cathedral, a protected structure and adjoining the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) of Ennis Town Centre.
During the planning process Risteard UaCróinín, conservation officer for Clare County Council, outlined there was no objection to the proposed development but stated his office should be consulted regarding any proposed alterations to the boundary wall facing Station Road.
Commenting on the boundary wall he stated, “By its age, weathered patina, construction technique and materials, it makes a significant contribution to the ACA and complements the masonry of the Cathedral nearby. For the above reasons, this office should be consulted with regard to any proposed alterations to it.”
In relation to the proposed new development, he added, “The proposed new building elements appear to respect the existing buildings in scale and proportion and are considered appropriate in material and design in the context of adjacent protected structures.”
Making the decision to grant planning permission, subject to eight conditions, Ennis Town Council’s planning authority stated, “Having regard to the zoning of the site, the policies of the current development plan and the pattern of development in the area, it is considered that subject to conditions, the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and will be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
Conditions of planning included the setting down of a schedule of materials and finishes for the proposed development “in the interest of visual amenity and in order to ensure standard of materials and finishes appropriate to this area”.
The planning authority also stated adequate temporary car parking accommodation shall be provided on the site for the use of employees engaged in construction work.
Another condition set out by the council states that no works shall take place to the existing front boundary wall onto Station Road without prior approval of the planning authority.