Hostel plan for derelict Westport factory gets the green light despite business owners’ objections
An Coimsiún Pleanála has granted permission for the redevelopment of the former cap factory in Westport into hostel accommodation following a lengthy process that saw multiple objections from local business owners.
Permission was granted despite the senior planning inspector recommending that the application be refused.
The cap factory, a derelict building located between Bridge Street and James Street, has been vacant since the 1980s and sits within Westport’s Architectural Conservation Area.
The applicant, Brendan Power, first submitted plans in 2021 seeking permission for 13 bedrooms. That was rejected, but a revised proposal for eight bedrooms was submitted in 2024.
Mayo County Council granted permission in July 2024, subject to conditions, prompting three separate objections to An Coimsiún Pleanála from business owners in Westport.
Local publicans Matt Molloy of Matt Molloy’s and Joe and Marian O’Malley of The Porter House, along with businessman Aidan Murphy of Murphy’s Total Health Pharmacy, all lodged appeals.
Mr Molloy objected to the inclusion of a laneway between his premises and The Porter House, which Mr Powers’ application has proposed to use for services such as storm water, foul sewer, and water supply.
Mr Molloy claimed ownership of the laneway, arguing that he had not consented to its use, which, in turn, made the planning application invalid. He added that the proposal encroaches on private land.
Additionally, he said a right‑of‑way that used to exist in the laneway has since been abandoned, and, even when it existed, it only allowed access, not construction works, utilities, or service uses.
Mr and Ms O’Malley said that the applicant had not demonstrated sufficient legal interest in the property and noted the absence of a wayleave for services in the laneway.
They also raised issues regarding fire safety and claimed the hostel did not meet Fáilte Ireland’s requirements for tourist accommodation, and expressed concern that the proposal may be used for purposes other than those described in the public notices.
Mr Murphy’s objections included security concerns for his business if the laneway were to be used, and criticised the lack of southern elevation drawings in the application.
He said inaccurate drawings mislabelled a door on his property as a window, and reiterated that the hostel did not meet Fáilte Ireland standards.
Westport councillor Peter Flynn also submitted an observation, warning that the proposal would create substandard tourist accommodation. He argued it did not comply with the Westport Local Area Plan 2024 - 2030 and said further information provided on fire safety and right‑of‑way was inadequate.
In response, Mr Power maintained that he had sufficient legal interest in the laneway, noting that planning law does not require full ownership or landowner consent to submit an application. He argued that, as the building’s owner, he is entitled to use the yard and laneway access.
Mr Power also said the proposal complies with six objectives of the LAP, that fire safety and access measures are adequate, and that the redesign addressed impacts on neighbouring buildings. He added that the building is not subject to Fáilte Ireland standards.
Senior planning inspector Ian Campbell recommended refusal, citing the lack of evidence of consent and insufficient legal interest in the lands included in the proposal. He concluded it would be inappropriate for the Commission to grant permission.
Nevertheless, An Coimisiún Pleanála upheld Mayo County Council’s decision and granted permission subject to eight conditions. The decision was made on a two‑to‑one split.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.