Old house demolished, new semi-detached two-storey home built in its place

The council has approved the demolition of an existing dwelling at 35 Riverside Grange in Ballina and the erection of a new two‑storey semi‑detached house on the same site. The decision, issued on 30 April 2026, was granted on a conditional basis and includes the necessary site works that will accompany the new construction.

The applicant, Ewelina Kita, submitted the planning application on 10 March 2026. The council’s decision code, listed as CONDITIONAL, indicates that the approval is subject to a set of conditions that the developer must satisfy before construction can commence. These conditions typically cover aspects such as site drainage, access, and the protection of neighbouring properties, although the specific conditions for this project were not detailed in the public record.

The development will involve the complete demolition of the existing dwelling, followed by the construction of a new semi‑detached house that will occupy the same footprint. The council’s description of the works also mentions ancillary site works, which may include the installation of new foundations, utilities, and any required landscaping or drainage improvements. The address of the site is 35 Riverside Grange, Quignalecka, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 V2D3.

Ballina has seen a number of planning applications in recent months, reflecting a period of active residential development in the area. In early May, a new dwelling house and domestic garage were built at Quignamanger, a development that followed a similar planning approval process. Earlier in the month, a derelict dwelling was demolished and a two‑storey extension added, with the project subsequently being renovated. These projects illustrate the council’s willingness to support the regeneration of older properties and the construction of new homes that meet contemporary standards.

Other recent applications in the Ballina area include the construction of a dwelling house and domestic garage at Foghill Upper Carrowmore Lacken, the erection of a dwelling house at Tullaghanbawn, Geesala, and a change of use application for a former Garda station to become a community centre and tourist hostel. These projects demonstrate a broader trend of mixed‑use development and adaptive reuse of existing structures, which the council has generally supported under its planning framework.

The decision for the Riverside Grange project was made by the Mayo County Council, the local authority responsible for planning and building control in the region. The council’s planning portal lists the application under reference 2660188, and the decision was recorded in the council’s official file. The application was received on 10 March 2026, and the council set a decision deadline of 4 May 2026, which it met on 30 April 2026.

The new semi‑detached house will be a two‑storey dwelling, a common design choice in Ballina that balances the need for modern living space with the preservation of the town’s character. The council’s planning guidelines encourage developments that are in keeping with the local architectural style and that provide adequate green space and access to public amenities. While the specific design details of the new house are not disclosed in the public record, it is expected to comply with the council’s standards for building height, setbacks, and overall massing.

The approval of this project is part of a broader effort by the Mayo County Council to manage growth in Ballina responsibly. The council’s planning policy framework aims to ensure that new developments contribute positively to the community, provide high‑quality housing, and respect the environmental and historical context of the area. By granting conditional approval, the council allows the developer to proceed while ensuring that any potential impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood are mitigated.

The decision also reflects the council’s commitment to supporting private developers who wish to replace outdated or derelict properties with new, energy‑efficient homes. The inclusion of site works in the approval indicates that the council is mindful of the importance of proper site preparation, drainage, and infrastructure provision, which are essential for the long‑term sustainability of new residential developments.

Residents of Ballina and the surrounding area can expect the demolition to begin shortly after the developer satisfies the council’s conditions. Once the site is cleared, construction of the new semi‑detached house will commence, with the project likely taking several months to complete. The council will monitor the works to ensure compliance with the approved plans and any conditions attached to the permission.

The approval of the Riverside Grange project is one of several recent planning decisions that illustrate the dynamic nature of development in Ballina. As the town continues to grow, the Mayo County Council remains focused on balancing new construction with the preservation of the local character and the provision of high‑quality housing for its residents.

For further details, see the original Mayo County Council planning file and the local news coverage of the decision.

Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.