Developer appeals height restriction for 220 bed Cork city hotel

A height restriction imposed as part of planning permission for a 220-bed Cork city hotel has caused the developer to lodge an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bórd Pleanála).

The developer has sought the deletion of a condition imposed by Cork City Council limiting the height to four storeys, which they described as “disproportionate, unsupported by evidence, and contrary to the broader planning and economic context”.

The construction of a five-storey, 220-bed hotel located at Number 9 Fitton St, which sits between Morrison’s Quay and South Mall, was granted conditional planning permission by the council in May. The planning application was submitted by Peppard Investments 8 Limited, based in Sarsfield Rd, Wilton.

The development of the tourist accommodation would be accompanied by a cafe “servicing the scheme and the public”, which is proposed on the ground floor, with 56 bedspaces proposed on each of the three upper floors (first, second, and third floor) and 52 bedspaces proposed on the fourth floor.

The building would front onto Fitton St with pedestrian access provided at this location. Permission is also sought for the provision of bin storage, drainage, plant, and all associated site development works.

A planning application was first submitted to Cork City Council in August 2017 for a four-storey hotel at No 9 Fitton St.

The initial proposal consisted of the demolition of one to two storeys of existing vacant commercial building and the construction of a four-storey hotel including 192 beds. A cafe was also proposed on the ground floor. This application received objections from several residents in the area, and concerns over the height of the current proposed development were issued by Cork City Council.

Cork City Council had outlined conditions for the proposed development, including limits on building height, several recommendations to ensure architectural sensitivity, and concerns related to waste management.

An appeal was submitted by Butler O Neill Total Planning Solutions acting on behalf of the developer, Peppard Investments 8 Limited.

The developer appealed the condition of the planning permission granted by council which requires the omission of the fifth storey, reducing the building to four storeys.

They said: “The fifth storey is essential to deliver a viable, policy-compliant scheme that will transform a derelict vacant site into a vibrant, sustainable asset and go some way towards addressing Cork’s acute tourist accommodation shortage and integrate and harmonise with the evolving character of Morrison’s Island.”