Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of a former gallery into a family entertainment centre aimed at young children in the centre of Kinsale, despite opposition by local residents and business owners.
An Bord Pleanála has upheld the decision of Cork County Council to grant planning permission for the proposed change of use of the building on Main Street, Kinsale for an entertainment centre aimed at children aged 3-12 years.
The board rejected an appeal by a local couple who live in an adjoining property who claimed the proposed development by Barnview “could hardly be more insensitive, inappropriate and injurious to the area.”
Subject to compliance with a number of planning conditions, the board said the proposed change of use of the property would be in accordance with the Cork County Development Plan and would not adversely impact the character of Kinsale’s town centre.
It also concluded that the development would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area or Kinsale’s Architectural Conservation Area in which the proposed entertainment centre is located.
Among the conditions imposed by An Bord Pleanála are that the premises cannot be used for gaming, casino or gambling and the premises can only operate between 11am and 10pm.
The board also stipulated that sound proofing should be installed before the commencement of the development in order to protect other properties in the area from the potential nuisance of noise.
Barnview said the ground floor retail unit had been vacant for over five years – a claim disputed by objectors who pointed out it had housed a gallery up until late 2022 – while its upper floors are in residential use.
The company said changes to the shopfront would be minimal, while any new signage would not include neon lights.
It claimed it had no intention to merge the development with a casino on Pier Road in Kinsale which it also owns.
Barnview also stated that it was not proposed to have any gambling machines in the new centre.
It pointed out that Kinsale is a tourist town and claimed the children’s entertainment centre would contribute to the range of activities offered to families visiting the area.
The company said its proposed hours of operations were appropriate for the age group and holidaymakers.
The appellants, John and Mary Lee, claimed the proposed entertainment centre would have adverse consequences on adjoining property due to gatherings, litter, noise and general nuisance.
They also maintained that the proposed change of use would not protect or improve the identity or character of Main Street in Kinsale.
However, the couple expressed regret that Cork County council seemed to have ignored the very valid and real concerns of 10 parties who had lodged objections to the plans with the local authority.
They voiced amazement at the suggestion that 12-year-olds would be attracted to a centre offering “kiddies rides” and expressed surprise that pre-teenage children would be encouraged to frequent such a facility up to 10pm at night.
The couple said it was inevitable that the business would attract a different age profile and that older patrons could only be relied on to ensure adequate demand and viability over the proposed opening hours.
The proprietor of Granny’s Bottom Drawer, a design and craft store on Main Street, said the proposed centre “threatens to disrupt the unique and authentic culture we have preserved.”
The owner of Jo’s Café, also on Main Street, expressed concern that the new entertainment centre would generate noise which would affect its existing guesthouse business.
However, an inspector with An Bord Pleanála said the entertainment centre would offer an additional service to Kinsale’s tourism product which already offers a range of facilities for visitors to the town.
The inspector rejected claims about the proposed change of use being inappropriate or insensitive.