This article is from page 2 of the 2007-07-31 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
AMBITIOUS plans to demolish a number of buildings and construct a three-storey commercial develop- ment in Ennis’s Market Place area have come under fire.
Ennis Town Council is due to make a decision next month on the plan by Atlantic Enterprises for the develop- ment at the junction of Market Place and Garraunakilla Lane.
The development comprises a res- taurant on three floors. However, in a strident objection against the pro- posal, local resident, Pauline Killeen states, “The proposal to provide what is in effect a four-storey tower build- ing on a very prominent corner site
and gateway to Ennis town centre 1s not in keeping with the general scale of buildings in the area.
“In both design, scale and material, the design is inappropriate for any part of the Ennis town architectural conservation area and to allow these unique buildings, streetscapes and the late mediaeval townscape to be dominated by concrete tower blocks would serve to detract from the vis- ual amenity and architectural integ- rity of the old town of Ennis.
“I believe that this overbearing development has the potential to do irreparable damage to a very attrac- tive county town, which has evolved in a pleasing manner over eight cen- aU lohe
“The height and scale of the pro- posed development would dominate this part of the townscape for genera- tions into the future.
‘The area around the proposed de- velopment is characterised by two- storey developments of modest scale of residential and mixed-use devel- opment.
“While I accept that it 1s often nec- essary for developers to maximise property they buy to make them via- ble in economic and planning terms, such developments should take due cognizance of the character and in- tegrity of the surrounding building with a relationship between the old ZN ICOM O olom eLoaWas KOU nNts1em
“While allowing for variety, the
development should complement the original surrounding in terms of scale, detail and materials. this pro- posal fails to do this…
“I consider that the applicant has missed the opportunity to create a new building of high quality on the site, whether of contemporary design or otherwise.
“The result is both inappropriate and unacceptable. While the redevel- opment of the site will contribute sig- nificantly to its urban setting, and is being actively sought by the council, I do not consider that this should be at the expense of the visual environ- ment and residential amenities of the area and of future occupants of the development.”