Ambitious plans unveiled for new Ballyforan community centre
An ambitious plan has been unveiled for the transformation of a derelict coach house in the South Roscommon village of Ballyforan into a community centre and the conversion of existing grounds into a public park.
The proposers of the project have described it as a “genuine, community-driven process” informed by extensive local engagement, a thorough feasibility study, and underpinned by Just Transition funding.
Ballyforan Area Transition Team has sought outline planning permission from Roscommon County Council for the re-development of approximately 1.5 hectares of lands at Claremont House in Ballyforan village to include a change of use of the existing grounds to a public park; change of use of the existing derelict coach house to a community centre, and change of use of the existing derelict detached dwelling to a public park pavilion.
Outline permission is a process whereby an application is made to a local authority in order to ascertain if they agree in principle with the proposed development. It is not necessary to submit detailed plans as part of the application, but sufficient information must be supplied to allow the council to make a decision in relation to site, layout and other proposals. Outline permission is generally granted for three years, during which time full planning permission must be sought.
A detailed 17-page planning report submitted as part of the outline planning application by Ballyforan Area Transition Team concludes that the proposed project would “breathe new life into derelict lands” deliver much-needed rural community infrastructure, provide open space and foster sustainable tourism” and all at a scale that is “modest and sympathetic” to its rural context.
The publicly-held lands in the centre of Ballyforan on which the proposed development is being planned, are being offered to the applicant, BATT, in agreement with Roscommon County Council, according to the planning report, which adds that the proposal will provide long term “social, recreational and economic benefit” to the area. A successful application will enable the local community to access “potential funding streams” in support of progressing the project towards implementation.
In outlining the need for the development, the report notes that the population of Ballyforan has risen by 25% over the last ten years, due in large part to its location as a commuter village between the urban centres of Athlone, Ballinasloe and Roscommon. The village has a “higher than average” young and working age population but supports have “not grown to meet this new demand”, according to the planning report.
The proposed development of a community centre and public parkland with glamping amenity and associated park services pavilion, was developed in consultation with the community and the design approach features the “innovative reuse and integration” of the existing derelict structures as part of the new amenities.
The report states 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” while the proposed community centre will strive to provide “a centrally accessible, multi-purpose facility” capable of accommodating a broad range of “social, educational, recreational and cultural activities”.
It is proposed that the centre will be a place to meet, play sports, play games, and will also incorporate a creche, gym, hall and clubhouse as well as supporting facilities.
Roscommon County Council is due to make a decision on the application by May 20.