Restaurateur ordered to remove outdoor seating and awning
City planners have ordered the removal of awning, signage and seating from the front of a well-known Italian restaurant in Salthill.
Dario Morelli of Da Robertas in Upper Salthill had sought permission for the retention of awning and signage.
When inspected, the Council found timber cladding on the façade, as well as an outdoor seating area on top of a timber deck, surrounded by timber bollards.
Executive Planner John Doody wrote: “It is noted that no licence for outdoor seating has been permitted for this site, while the area to be covered contains an area of decking and enclosed by a timber surround, none of which has permission and has not been included as part of this application and would appear unauthorised.”
In their decision to refuse permission for retention, the Council said the signage and timber-clad fascia would be an obtrusive feature and would detract from the streetscape character; seriously injure the visual amenities of the area and may set an undesirable precedent for similar developments.
“The retention of the awning would facilitate an unauthorised development, decking and sitting out area, in addition, the applicant has failed to indicate sufficient legal interest for the awning to cover the area to the front of the unit,” the decision reads. The matter has now been referred to the Planning Department’s Enforcement section.