'A big step forward': Cork city restaurant welcomes planning approval for expansion

Italian restaurant Sonflour, located in the heart of Cork city, has been granted permission for an extension by Cork City Council.

The application, which was submitted by Ortley Way Limited, proposed the expansion of Sonflour on Castle St into an adjacent premises.

The popular restaurant has now been granted permission from the local authority for the amalgamation of the ground floor of No 9 and No 9A Castle St.

It requires a change of use from retail at 9A, ‘The Gold Reserve’, to restaurant use to facilitate the expansion. 

The plans involve the demolition of some internal elements.

A planning statement submitted with the application said the plans would see the expansion of a “thriving restaurant in Cork’s historic centre”.

It stated: “Key considerations pertaining to the site’s location within the North Main Street Architectural Conservation Area and its location within, and in the curtilage of, a protected structure have been significant considerations of the proposed development”.

A spokesperson for Sonflour gave their reaction to The Echo following news that the application had been approved:

“This is a big step forward for our community, paving the way for growth and deeper integration into the heart and soul of Cork.

“On a practical level, it means we’ll be able to offer longer booking times for our customers, finally accommodate walk-ins, and most importantly, create more space for the cultural events that have been at the core of who we are for the past three years like concerts, exhibitions, and charity events.

“We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the city council and Ortley Way Limited for giving us the chance to grow.

“From day one, we’ve strongly believed that our project and the city’s growth go hand in hand, and that Sonflour perfectly aligns with the values [of] our beloved Cork.”