Extension works approved at Monksland Savoury Fare

A planned extension of the dining area and the provision of a new outdoor seating area at the Savoury Fare restaurant in Monksland has been given go-ahead by An Coimisiún Pleanala.

Savoury Fare successfully appealed a decision by Roscommon County Council to refuse planning permission for the proposed development on May 15.

The project involves the demolition of a previous dining area extension, which is due to be replaced with a new dining space that will increase the restaurant's floor area from 155 square metres to 247 square metres.

In addition, the work is due to include the installation of outdoor seating area further to the south from the proposed extension.

This new outdoor seating area is estimated to measure approximately 60 square metres and is proposed to accommodate 10 tables.

In its decision to refuse planning permission for the work in May, Roscommon County Council cited a number of "site-specific factors" one of which was that "the proposed development would diminish the already limited communal open space provision in the built-up environment in Monksland, setting an undesirable precedent for the further erosion of communal open space."

On appeal, approval was granted by the planning authority, subject to eight conditions, for the proposed development to proceed at the restaurant and café business which opened in 2008 in Daneswell Business Centre, Monksland.

Providing context on its decision to grant planning permission to the project, An Coimisiún Pleanala said "the proposed development would be in accordance with the character of the existing building" allowing for the "pattern of development in the surrounding area".

"Having regard to the nature and scale of the proposed development in a Business Park, the pattern of development in the surrounding area, and the recent development of a public park to the north of the development, it is considered that subject to compliance with the conditions set out the proposed development would be in accordance with the character of the existing building.

"The proposed development would therefore be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," An Coimisiún Pleanala stated.

The successful planning appeal is a further positive for the local business which celebrated its 30th anniversary in June. Co-owned by Des Hennelly and Rory Currid, Savoury Fare recently marked the occasion with the opening of their fourth business in Tuar Ard Arts Centre Moate.

The café and restaurant opening in Moate complements Savoury Fare's existing locations in Irishtown Central Athlone, Fernhill Garden Centre Athlone and Monksland Athlone.