Planning bid to revert use of holiday apartments in Salthill
Receivers who took charge of a block of holiday apartments on Threadneedle Road in Salthill – one of Galway’s most expensive locations – have sought permission to allow them be used as private homes.
Declan Taite and Anne O’Dwyer have an “urgent sale agreed” on No 18 Threadneedle Road – a block of eight holiday apartments – are have applied to Galway City Council for permission for a change of use to private residences.
The receivers took control of a large tranche of assets in Galway which belonged to Model Investment Partnership (which shared common directors with the Kenny Group) – the ‘Threadneedle Court’ development of eight apartments, two double garages and a long rear garden was built by Kennys in 2004/5.
According to the receivers, the development was initially designed and permitted as private residential dwelling units and was later converted to holiday apartments.
“This application seeks to revert the use of the units to their original use.
“Both national and local policy recognises that private residential units are a scarce resource, which need to be managed in a sustainable manner so that the housing needs of the city are met.
“In contrast, it is noted that there has been a significant increase in the number of holiday homes in Galway City. It is further observed that there are a number of B&Bs located along Threadneedle Road, in addition to larger hotel developments such as the Salthill Hotel and Galway Bay Hotel located nearby, which already provide a significant offer of holiday accommodation.
“The proposed development will create a much more efficient use of the property by allowing for permanent occupancy of the units and will assist Galway City Council in meeting its commitment to provide for residential development,” the application reads.
In correspondence with the Council last October, the receivers said they had an “urgent sale agreed” on the building.