Equestrian centre chalet proposal wins approval

Westmeath County Council planners have approved the development of self-catering, chalet accommodation at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Rathcolman, Mullingar, Westmeath.

The development comprises five chalet and cabin units to create overnight accommodation to facilitate the accommodation demands of visiting tourists.

The local authority approval comes subject to 12 conditions. Included in the planning approvals is the provision of associated visitor parking, cycle parking accessed, a proposed wastewater treatment system and all associated ancillary services.

The planned landscaping hopes to integrate, promote and enhance biodiversity. The development will be located on a green field site and is currently used as grazing land for animals at the Equestrian Centre.

The site is approximately 1km from the outskirts of Mullingar, on a hill overlooking the Equestrian Centre.

In their submission to the planning authority the applicant said the provision of overnight accommodation "will support the ongoing long-term business strategy of the Mullingar Equestrian Centre".

The applicant, Mullingar Equestrian Centre Ltd, said they identified demand for the accommodation: "While international students that come to Mullingar during the summer months for English language tuition coupled with equestrian sports used to be a key element of the Mullingar Equestrian Centre’s business model, in recent years and due in part to fluctuations in tourism trends it has become apparent that additional markets need to be targeted for the business to remain economically sustainable."

The application, made in July, was decided last week.