PLANNING permission sought for the change of use of a residential unit in Letterkenny to a short-term rental has been refused.
Applicant Liam Gearóid Ó Riain lodged proposals with Donegal County Council in February, seeking the change of use of a residential unit at 1 The Spires, Cornagill, from a permanent occupancy to a short-term rental.
In refusing planning permission, Donegal County Council stated that the proposed development is located in an area designated as ‘Area Under Strong Urban Influence’ adjoining Letterkenny.
“It would result in the loss of an existing residential unit from the permanent housing stock and its replacement with a non-permanent tourism-related use’. The council pointed out that this is contrary to the provisions of the County Development Plan 2024-2030, which “resists the proliferation of holiday homes and non-permanent residential uses in such areas, and seeks to safeguard housing stock for permanent occupation”.
The refusal also outlined how the proposed changed would introduce a commercial short-term letting use within an existing multi-unit residential building accessed via a private road.
“By reason of this transient nature of the use, increased turnover of occupants, and associated noise and activity, the development would be incompatible with the established residential character of the building and would be likely to give rise to disturbance and conflict with adjoining residents,” the refusal stated.
The council further stated that having regard to submission from the Chief Fire Officer indicating that the existing design would “not achieve compliance in respect of means of escape”, the Planning Authority was not satisfied that the proposed development would provide an adequate standard of fire safety for occupants associated with the proposed use.