Council granted permission to acquire 'protected structure' in Waterford city centre

The way has been cleared for the local authority to compulsorily acquire a building in Waterford City Centre which has been vacant and derelict for a number of years.

In a decision, just published, An Bord Pleanála formally approved the application relating to 29 Great George's Street - a Protected Structure. 

According to a report from planning inspector Frank O'Donnell, the property comprises a terraced three-bay three-storey house with a vacant shop front at ground floor level. It is located within the retail core of the city and is positioned to the west of the entrance into George’s Court Shopping Centre.

The property, described as ‘the Vintage Factory/Arch Coffee Shop',  is also listed on the National Inventory of Architectural
Heritage.

Notice of Waterford City and County Council’s intention to compulsorily acquire the site was served upon the owners/occupiers on February 16. 2024 and a public notice was published a number of weeks later.

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Mr O'Donnell notes that in her objection, the owner of the property indicated that she was anxious to work with the Council to restore the property and requested that the application not be granted.

The planning inspector, who visited the site in August, commented that the general appearance of the property was "neglected, unsightly and objectionable"  and that he was satisfied it could be categorised as derelict.

"I consider that the property detracts to a material degree from the amenity, character and appearance of land in the neighbourhood, which in my view, renders it derelict under Section 3 of the Act," he stated.

Members of the Board formally granted the application at a meeting earlier this month.