A planning appeal has been made to An Bord Pleanála against the rejection of a significant expansion of Taylor’s Bar in Galway City.
Galway City Council refused planning permission in December for BRTW Investments for a major overhaul of multiple premises on Dominick Street.
The developer sought approval for the demolition of No. 5 & 6 on Dominick Street, with new housing to be built in their place, and renovations to No. 7, Taylor’s Bar.
The city council refused planning due to the scale of the proposal, which the council said was beyond what is permitted in that part of the city, and that it would create an “overbearing expression” onto the streetscape.
Taylor’s Bar expansion & housing
The new building replacing those to be demolished is to feature a large extension to Taylor’s on the ground floor, and a licenced café on the first floor.
The upper floors of the building would contain two penthouse apartments, one a single-bed unit and the other a two-bed penthouse.
Outbuildings in the rear yard of Taylor’s, including sheds, toilets, and a lounge building will also be demolished.
This was to make way for a two storey extension to Taylor’s with toilets, a kitchen and storerooms, as well as a new basement below the bar’s yard with more toilets and storage.
Other works include refurbishments to the upper floors of Taylor’s and the Beer Garden in the rear yard.
The developer has lodged a first party appeal against this decision with An Bord Pleanála, challenging the reasons for the rejection.
The appeal states that the City Development Plan gives leeway for higher plot ratios in the case of infill developments to provide uniform fenestration alignment.
It also states that the proposed height will match the buildings across the street, and that the council has previously approved developments in the nearby area in excess of the 1:6 plot ratio prescribed.
The appeal goes on to state that if the board deems it absolutely necessary, then the top level residential unit could be omitted from the plans.
It also disputes the claim that the contemporary development would not integrate well with the area, noting that Dominick Street has buildings of multiple different styles and designs.
A decision on this planning appeal is due from An Bord Pleanála by May 22, 2024.
