Wyatt Hotel seeks permission for major expansion in Westport after controversial council land sale
A planning application has been submitted to Mayo County Council for a major expansion of the Wyatt Hotel in Westport, seeking permission for a 72-bedroom extension and a new basement car park.
The proposed development has been the topic of controversy in the town after part of the site was sold by Mayo County Council earlier this year under a Section 183 disposal, a move that drew opposition from local community groups.
The sale of 0.67 acres of land behind the Westport Leisure Centre was approved in July by 22 votes to two, with three abstentions, after councillors rejected a motion to defer the decision.
The land was sold to the Wyatt Hotel for €675,000, with an additional €280,000 ring-fenced for future improvements to the adjacent playground.
The deal prompted a silent protest outside Áras an Chontae, organised by Westport Action for Youth (WAY), which objected to the sale of the public green space.
WAY said the council had disregarded their input and year-long efforts to develop plans for improving the public green space for young people and the wider community.
The group stated that it was “misleading and disrespectful” that “a decision of this magnitude was made behind closed doors while community members were encouraged to propose alternative uses for the space.”
Councillors defended the decision, saying that all the proper statutory processes had been followed.
Cllr Peter Flynn, Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, defended the sale, saying it was never a secret and had been discussed publicly for over a year.
He highlighted that the deal would allow local businesses to expand while also funding a €280,000 upgrade to the existing playground.
Cllr Brendan Mulroy, who seconded the sale of the land, described some of the online commentary about the issue as “libellous”.
The proposed development includes a three-storey extension over a semi-basement car park to the rear and sides of the existing hotel at the Octagon, Lower Peter Street, Church Street and the Leisure Centre car park.
If approved, the 5,333 square metre expansion would provide the hotel with 72 additional bedrooms, 88 new basement car parking spaces, 20 public car spaces at ground level off Church Street, an ESB substation, staff accommodation, plant rooms, and other ancillary facilities.
The plans also include relocating the goods delivery area from Church Street to Lower Peter Street, internal alterations to expand the dining area, demolishing three existing staff houses, and constructing a new public footpath connecting Church Street to the Leisure Centre car park.
The application states that the project would create 35 new jobs and increase visitor numbers and footfall in Westport, benefiting other local businesses.
Cox Power Architects describe the development as a “modern sustainable building” that will strengthen pedestrian links between Westport House, Church Street, the Carrowbeg River, the Leisure Centre and James Street.
They say the project will include sustainable technologies such as solar panels, heat exchangers and heat pumps, while upgrading existing systems to improve energy efficiency.
The application includes a Natura Impact Statement and confirms that the site is zoned for “Town Centre Use” under the Westport Local Area Plan 2024–2030.
The planning application is currently under consideration by Mayo County Council, with a decision expected by December 9.
Councillors have emphasised that the land sale approval did not automatically guarantee a green light for the planning permission.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to make submissions or lodge objections before a final decision is made. If granted, the decision can still be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.