Plans to turn former estate in South Roscommon into community amenity
A major transformation of a historic estate in Ballyforan, in south Roscommon, could take place soon, after planning permission was sought for a significant development in the area.
The Ballyforan Area Transition Team (BATT) is seeking to turn the landed estate at the former Claremont House – thought to have been abandoned since the 1950s – into a major public amenity that includes a community centre, park, pavilion and glamping pods.
The BATT is seeking outline planning permission (which allows applicants to ask local authorities if they agree to a proposed development in principle) for the project on the four-and-a-half acre site to repurpose Claremont House as a public park pavilion, and for a change of use of the existing derelict coach house to a community centre.
Included in the plans for the community centre are sports facilities, a crèche, gym, hall and clubhouse. The pavilion is proposed to contain toilet and shower facilities to service four on-site glamping pods, along with picnic areas, a children’s play area, and viewing platform.
In a planning report prepared by Accelerating Change Together (ACT), on behalf of BATT and supported by the Just Transition Fund and Roscommon County Council, it stated that the proposal represents 'a community-led rural regeneration initiative designed to provide long-term social, recreational and economic benefit to the area'.
It stated that a successful application will 'enable the community to access potential funding streams in support of progressing the project toward implementation'.
The house, the report said, was likely built in the early 1800’s and was originally home to Gonville Ffrench, of the landlord Ffrench, that established the village. It was later in the ownership of the D’Arcy family until around the 1950’s when it was abandoned and left to fall into ruin.
The report added that Claremont Grounds 'has the potential to become a new community gathering point, a destination for tourists, and a haven for nature and climate resilience'.
It said that the approach to reviving Claremont Grounds as a new park for the community is to re-establish 'the historic pattern and elements and incorporate new amenities for the community in ways that is complementary'.
Furthermore, the report mentioned that the proposed Community Centre will provide a centrally accessible, multi-purpose facility capable of accommodating a broad range of social, educational, recreational and cultural activities, and also support the neighbouring villages of Dysart and Four Roads.
With the abandoning of Claremont House in the 1950s, the house and grounds were gifted to the local authority. Certain areas of land have been sold off with the remaining ground rented for cattle grazing. The report said that a lack of maintenance over the decades has seen the grounds deteriorate with paths and roads overgrown, the extent of historic tree lines reduced, the orchard trees removed, and structures on-site falling into ruin.
The surrounding grounds, the report said, would be redeveloped as a public park to include re-wilding sections of the grounds through planting wildflowers, new trees and the restoration of historic pathways.
The project design has been developed in consultation with the local community and funded through the Just Transition programme. A decision from county planners is expected by July 19.