For the following (A) To renovate and refurbish the existing dwelling to include removal

John and Lorna Stewart have lodged a planning application with Clare County Council to carry out a comprehensive overhaul of their existing dwelling on the Ballyvelaghan estate in Newquay, Co Clare. The proposal, recorded in the council’s planning file, seeks permission to remove the front porch and an attached cowshed, demolish the current roof structure and erect a new roof, and to construct extensions and alterations that would make the house suitable for use as a family dwelling.

In addition to the physical changes to the building, the Stewarts plan to replace the existing sub‑standard foul treatment system with a new wastewater treatment system and a soil polishing filter. The new system is intended to meet current environmental standards and to provide a more reliable and hygienic solution for the property. The application also includes all associated site works, such as the creation of a new vehicular entrance, connection to the existing public water mains, and the retention and protection of the existing stone boundary walls that surround the property.

The application is part of a broader trend of residential redevelopment in the area. Earlier this year, a similar proposal was approved for the demolition of a 1970s dwelling and the construction of a new four‑bed replacement house with boundary walls and parking. In April, a separate application was submitted to retain alterations to an existing dwelling under approved planning permission P03‑670, while a May application sought to remove an existing extension and sheds to allow for a rear extension. Other recent proposals include a two‑storey extension to the side of an existing dwelling and the construction of a protective sheeted roof over a rear seating/dining area. These projects illustrate the council’s active role in managing changes to the built environment in the Ballyvelaghan and Newquay area.

The Stewarts’ proposal is detailed in the council’s planning file, which lists the specific works to be undertaken. The removal of the front porch and cowshed will free up space for the new extensions, while the new roof structure will bring the building up to modern standards. The wastewater treatment system will replace the old foul system, which was deemed sub‑standard, and the soil polishing filter will help to manage runoff and protect the surrounding environment. The new vehicular entrance will improve access to the property, and the connection to the public water mains will ensure that the dwelling has a reliable supply of water.

The council’s planning committee will review the application in the coming weeks, taking into account the impact on the local environment, the character of the neighbourhood, and the suitability of the proposed changes. The committee will also consider any objections that may be raised by neighbours or other stakeholders. If approved, the Stewarts would be able to begin construction in the near future, subject to the usual planning conditions and building regulations.

The Ballyvelaghan estate is a mixed residential area with a number of older properties that are being updated or replaced. The Stewarts’ proposal is consistent with the council’s broader strategy of encouraging modern, energy‑efficient homes that meet contemporary standards for health and safety. The council has a long history of balancing development with the preservation of the rural character of Co Clare, and the Stewarts’ application will be assessed against these criteria.

The application also highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the existing stone boundary walls, which are a key feature of the property’s historic character. The Stewarts have requested that these walls be retained and protected throughout the construction process, ensuring that the visual appeal of the estate is preserved.

In summary, John and Lorna Stewart’s planning application seeks to transform their existing dwelling in Ballyvelaghan, Newquay, into a modern family home. The proposal includes the removal of the front porch, cowshed, and roof, the construction of a new roof and extensions, the installation of a new wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter, and the creation of a new vehicular entrance and water mains connection. The application is part of a broader pattern of residential redevelopment in the area, and it will be reviewed by the council’s planning committee in the coming weeks. For more details see the Clare County Council planning file and localnews.ie.

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