Next generation Kerry farmer denied planning for barn to home conversion near derelict castle

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A farmer near Flesk Castle has been denied planning permission to convert a barn into a dwelling house for his own use despite representation from a Kerry TD.

Tristan O’Donoghue was refused planning on the basis that it would detract from the character of Flesk Castle, among other reasons.

Mr O’Donoghue proposed to retain the existing steel frame of the agricultural barn but add new external walls, a fresh roof and first floor within the existing structure. The entire dwelling would accommodate two double bedrooms.

According to the application, Mr O’Donoghue lived with his parents in the adjacent house and wished to move into his own residence.

“The proposed development consists of the construction of a dwelling within the existing overall height and plan footprint of the existing barn structure…the proposed development will not affect existing views to Flesk Castle and will therefore not result in a diminished visual amenity in the area,” read the application.

It added that the dark coloured external finishes would ensure the building would not be a prominent feature in the landscape.

Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae added that Mr O’Donoghue was planning to take over the farm in due course, lending his support to the application.

I would like to support his planning application to convert an agricultural shed to residential accommodation for himself,” wrote the TD.

Only one objection was received during the process, it being from Karol O’Mahony on behalf of the owners of Flesk Castle, the O’Reilly family.

The conservation architect argued that the immediate surroundings to the barn would be ‘completely degraded’ by the new structure.

Flesk Castle is a ruined Georgian Gothic style country house which was built in 1815 and designed by amateur architect and owner John Coltsman.

Mr O’Mahony pointed out that the development would be ‘highly perceptible’ from castle windows and the terraces along its western side, which had been orientated specifically for the view.

He quoted a description given by prominent English architectural and landscape draughtsman, John Preston Neale, in 1824.

“From the windows of all these apartments a most diversified and enchanting prospect presents itself,” mused Mr Neale.

Mr O’Mahony also argued that the development did not constitute a conversion, as supported in the County Development Plan, because the existing structure was too simple.

The plan specifies that the conversion of a ‘vernacular’ or ‘traditional building’ to residential is encouraged.

Mr O’Donoghue responded that the new building would be more aesthetically pleasing and claimed that some photos submitted by Mr O’Mahony were old.

Reviewing the application, Kerry County Council’s heritage unit concluded that the proposal would impact on the historic landscape associated with Flesk Castle and its protected structure, recommending a refusal.

The environmental assessment unit was also not satisfied that the development would not impact the biodiversity in the area, in particular the Lesser Horseshoe Bat by way of increase lighting.

Finally, planners felt that a rural housing need had not been demonstrated, and while planning rules are sensitive to farmers, it appears that Mr O’Donoghue didn’t qualify because a family home already existed on the land.

He also didn’t qualify as a farm owner, because he hadn’t taken over the farm yet.