An Bord Pleanála to rule whether use of guesthouse for international protection applicants requires planning permission

An Bord Pleanála is to determine whether the use of an Athlone guesthouse for people seeking international protection requires planning permission.

The issue was referred to the board by Stephen Groarke in relation to Shine's Guesthouse, Baylough, Athlone.

The planning board has been asked to determine "whether the use of a guesthouse for persons seeking international protection, is or is not development and is or is not exempted development".

Exempted development refers to development for which planning permission is not required.

An Bord Pleanála says the case is due to be decided by September 29 next.