Permission for development at Millmount House granted

Westmeath County Council planners have granted approval for the conversion of the listed building Millmount House, in the Ballinderry Road, Ardmore Road area of Mullingar, into apartments, and the development of a small estate on its grounds.

Patrick Mulligan initially lodged the planning application in April of last year, and the local authority planners approved the plans in December.

The development includes the demolition of an existing shed and a rear three-storey annexe, along with the construction of seven new residential units, subject to 21 conditions.

The planning application included an assessment of the listed building and its surrounds.

The site includes the two-storey building over basement with a rear annex, contained within a site to the south of the Royal Canal.

That report stated: “The development of Mullingar over time has altered the existing outlook and setting of the protected structure. The railway line serving Dublin to the north has cut the building off from the canal, while the modern road network and local residential development has developed over time to the west and south.”

The site is accessed from a modern residential development. In addition to the main structure, the site includes a large commercial shed to the eastern boundary. The existing building has not been occupied in some time, which has resulted in extensive decay and damage.

The proposed works are for the development of the site with new residential units where the existing shed is currently located and for the conversion of the old house with extensions into apartments.

The proposed works will require alterations to the existing dwelling, while the poor condition of the rear annex will require demolition prior to replacement with a new annex intended to mirror the original in form and location.

The plans include the construction of a two-storey terrace of three two-bed houses or townhouses; and the conversion into two one-bed apartments within the main house and two two-bed apartments to the rear within a new rear three storey extension.

Works will include the conversion of the existing basement into bin and bicycle storage for the development; a new car parking and road layout; landscaping; alterations to existing boundaries including a new gate at entrance to the development and a new pedestrian entrance along the Ballinderry road; and all ancillary site development works.

The works are to be carried out on lands that include a section of boundary wall which is on the Architectural Heritage Inventory.