An appeal's been lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála against the refusal of plans for an expanded guesthouse in the city's westend.
The Lion's Tower Limited had sought permission to merge the former Order of Malta building at St. Helen's Street with the existing adjoining guesthouse.
According to a planning report, the application details confirm the existing guesthouse operates as a short-term let premises, which does not have planning permission.
It notes the layout is not akin to a guesthouse - with no reception area, no signage, and a lockbox observed on the front door.
The report adds in practice, the proposed expansion into the adjoining building would likely function as an extension of intensive short-term letting.
This, it's pointed out, is very different to the guesthouse or B&B use envisaged under the Galway City Development Plan.
City planners ultimately refused permission, finding such a development is not in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
The developer has now lodged an appeal with the higher planning authority and a decision is due later this year.
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