Plans withdrawn for Cratloe car workshop

PLANS for the retention of a “thriving business” employing six people in Cratloe have been withdrawn by the applicant, despite securing an extension of time before the planning authority made its final decision.
John Gleeson had applied for retention permission for a workshop, mezzanine offices and a septic tank in its existing location in Brickhill West, Cratloe.
In a recent letter to the authority, John McMahon of McMahon Conroy Architects and Fire Consultants, Limerick, stated they had a call from the council’s fire department expressing some concerns about the fire requirements within the workshop and noted he had a meeting with Ger Fallon of the fire service to discuss the matter.
Following this meeting, Mr McMahon provided two copies of drawings indicating revisions made at the behest of the fire officer.
Mr Fallon suggested changes should be made to the
planning drawings, which would show preliminary compliance with fire regulations, pending a Fire Safety Certificate application, notably enclosure of internal metal staircase connecting the workshop to the first floor level.
“While we are aware that we can’t submit unsolicited further information at this stage,  we trust that you will accept this is being submitted at the request of the Fire Department,” Mrs McMahon stated.
Interestingly, the applicant applied to the local planning authority for an extension of time for making a decision on October 5 last and this was granted up to and including December 5 last.
However, less than five weeks later, Mr McMahon confirmed the applicant wanted to formally withdraw his application following discussions with a local planner.
In a recent objection lodged with Clare County Council, An Taisce claimed retention planning permission should not be granted for an “unauthorised development” at Brickhill West, Cratloe.
An Taisce pointed out this development was refused under a previous planning application in 2003, while a problem also arose in a subsequent application concerning a contribution.
“The roads leading to Cratloe are not good enough for 10 cars a day and if lorries are used, the bridges and crossings for the railway would be completely unsuitable,” An Taisce claimed.
The applicant is currently conducting a car sales, repair and servicing workshop for about 10 cars a day. Up to 25 car parking spaces are provided as part of the development, which operates from 8am to 6pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. Any hazardous waste would be stored in the oil tank.
In its submission on behalf of the applicant, Limerick-based architects and fire consultants, McMahon and Conroy stated planning permission was granted on June 24, 2004 for development on this site.
It admitted that a number of planning conditions were not complied with notably condition No 16, which stated the existing workshop should be demolished within one week or occupying the new workshop. It also acknowledged a fire certificate was never sought for the development.
“In making your decision, we would ask you to bear in mind that Mr Gleeson is carrying on a thriving and successful business, which is an asset to the local community and also employs six people,” Mr McMahon stated.