An Bord Pleanála has refused permission for a major development on the shoreline of Kenmare River by the Great Southern Hotel, Parknasilla, Co Kerry, saying it would damage a protected walled garden and visually affect the coastline.
The decision, which follows an appeal by An Taisce and a third party, was made against the advice of the board's own inspector.
Along with the seven others in the Great Southern group, the hotel is to be sold off by the Dublin Airport Authority. Tenders closed last Friday. Bidders could bid individually or for the whole group, and it will be some weeks before they are assessed, a spokesman said yesterday. "The GSH group is disappointed at the decision by An Bord Pleanála not to uphold the planning permission granted by Kerry County Council, but is still confident the sale of Parknasilla will progress satisfactorily," he said.
The council had granted planning for six blocks of holiday homes within and outside the walled garden adjacent to the demolished Derryquin Castle. It also agreed to the demolition of a golf clubhouse to facilitate some of the holiday homes. A new clubhouse north of the protected walled structure was granted permission, along with carparking facilities for the 52 homes. Some 67 holiday homes in another part of the grounds, as well as alterations and extensions to the hotel and a swimming pool, have been approved without appeal.
In a lengthy consideration of the proposal, the board's inspector, Robert Ryan, had recommended the proposal.
An Taisce in their appeal had said the Victorian walled garden should be restored as a tourist attraction. It argued that alternative sites were available for the holiday homes on the 300-acre grounds.
An Taisce argued that the development would be clearly visible from the sea and would lead to light pollution and sewage pollution in the bay, which is a special area of conservation.
In deciding not to accept the inspector's recommendation to grant permission, An Bord Pleanála said it had "particular regard to the location of the proposed development in a prominent coastal location within and adjacent to Derryquin Castle walled garden, a protected structure, and the nature and quantum of development already permitted on the overall landholding. The board considered the proposed development would materially and adversely affect the character and setting of the protected structure and would seriously injure the visual amenities of the area."