The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
AMBITIOUS plans for an outdoor cultural activities space at a lakeside park in Mountshannon have received the green light from planners.
Earlier this year, Mountshannon Community Council, who are spear-heading the project, secured a funding award of €54,860 from The Department of Rural and Community Development, to develop the facility at Aistear Park.
Conditional planning permission has been granted despite two objections from residents of the town’s Main Street. Planners have asked that steps be take to allay their concerns over the impact on views of Lough Derg.
After considering the application and two identical objections, which raised concerns that the open roofed structure would be “rarely used”, and could damage views and attract anti-social behaviour, planners supported the principle of the development.
They described the pavilion as “modest in scale relative to the overall park area”, and said it “will not inhibit the use of the area for play and recreational activity”.
In relation to the concerns about visual amenity, planners said that “in general the proposed structure is acceptable and will not have a significant impact on views from the village towards the lake”.
Planners did note that the quality of finishes on the roof of the pavilion “will be essential to ensuring its integrating into the local landscape”.
As regards objectors’ comments about potential anti-social behaviour at the site, planners said they didn’t consider it to be a concern in this case.
They noted that the structure will be open-sided and fully visible from the public road, with well-lit paths and no dense trees or landscaping.
Planners attached a total of four conditions to the development. The Community Council must build the pavilion in line with the plans submitted, but before beginning any construction, it has been asked to secure clearance from the council as to the specifications of roofing material.
Planners have also stipulated that the finished floor level of the pavilion must not vary from the blueprints submitted and that all cables must be located underground, throughout the site.
The pavilion will be supported through the allocation from the Town and Village Renewal Fund as well as local fundraising efforts.
The roofed, open structure, which will provide shelter from the elements, and have water and electricity installed, will be able to cater for festivals, performances, classes, social events and a host of other activities.
It is not known, at this time, if the grant of permission will be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
