Imagine your local pub, a place filled with laughter and memories, suddenly facing demolition. That's the reality for the Thatch Pub in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare, as planning permission has been granted to tear it down – a mere five years after its previous iteration was built in 2009.
Mill Road Estates, a development firm with a quarter-century of experience and a track record of smaller projects in the village, submitted the application last May. Their vision? To replace the existing pub and restaurant with something entirely new.
The plans involve constructing a single-story building that will house both a shop with an off-licence and a café complete with a commercial kitchen and staff quarters. But that's not all. The footprint of the old pub will also accommodate three, three-bedroom townhouses, each with direct access to Main Street. To address parking needs, the development includes a rear courtyard with eleven parking spaces, two of which will be equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Furthermore, the project encompasses improvements to the public realm. Footpaths and kerbs on both Main and Chapel Streets will be refurbished, and a landscaped terrace will be created on the Chapel Street side, providing three additional parking spaces. All of this is planned for a site spanning approximately half an acre (0.19 hectares).
But here's where it gets controversial... The planners didn't simply rubber-stamp the developer's initial proposal. They insisted on specific changes to ensure the new construction aligns with the character of the village. They emphasized the use of high-quality, locally sourced materials, stating a strong preference for "higher order finishes such as local quarried or salvaged natural stone … and natural slate." This highlights a crucial point: development should enhance, not detract from, the existing environment.
The planners also mandated modifications to doors, windows, and the signage to be displayed. Ultimately, they deemed the amended plans acceptable. In their official statement, they noted that "having regard to the village centre zoning in Ballymore Eustace … it is considered that, subject to the (40) conditions attached … the development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area, and is in accordance with the proper planning."
And this is the part most people miss: The devil is always in the details, and in this case, it's in the 40 conditions attached to the planning permission. These conditions include a requirement to plant only local, native species and a hefty €50,000 bond to guarantee the preservation of existing trees. This demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring that the development minimizes its impact on the local ecosystem. The architectural firm John P Delaney are the masterminds behind the design of this new build.
This decision raises several important questions. Is replacing a pub with retail and residential units a positive change for Ballymore Eustace? Does this represent progress, or a loss of community space? Will the new development truly enhance the village, or will it simply change its character? What do you think? Is it a good move for the village, or is this a sign of changing times impacting local traditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
