The proposed £300 million development at Durrow Abbey on the outskirts of Tullamore, Co Offaly, has been put on hold by Radleigh Developments, it was announced this week.
The company had planned to build a luxury hotel and leisure complex, a golf course, a conference centre, an equestrian centre, 280 houses and over 180 holiday apartments on the site between Tullamore and Kilbeggan.
Last July Offaly County Council voted unanimously to amend the county development plan and allow the scheme to go ahead.
But there were objections to it from some local residents, the Heritage Council and An Taisce.
The main objections were on archaeological grounds because the development was planned on lands adjoining the 6th century abbey, founded by St Columcille.
Objections to the development were to have been heard at an oral hearing of An Bord Pleanala in Tullamore next week but this has been cancelled following a statement from Radleigh Developments on Tuesday.
It said the company had decided to withdraw its planning appeal to An Bord Pleanala regarding the development. The company "is at present assessing the various concerns that were expressed in relation to their ambitious plans for Durrow Abbey". "The chairman of Radleigh Developments, Mr John Maher, expressed his thanks to the Offaly county manager and senior officers in Offaly County Council, for their courtesy and the professional manner in which they dealt with the proposed plans for Durrow Abbey," said a statement issued through a local public relations company. Radleigh Developments will make a further statement next week.